The Wright State baseball team scored single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to edge Valparaiso 3-2 in the series opener Thursday afternoon at Nischwitz Stadium.

After Valpo scored an unearned run in the top of the first, the Raiders did the same in the bottom of the frame.  With one out, Michael Timm advanced second on an error and went to third on a Mitch Roman ground out.  Another error then allowed Matt Morrow to reach as Timm scored.

The Crusaders regained the lead with a run in the fourth and it stayed 2-1 until WSU tied it with a run in the seventh.  Derreck Garcia started the inning with a walk and went to second on an Andrew McCafferty bunt.  One out later, Sean Murphy walk and Timm followed with a hit to left to drive in Garcia.

Wright State then tallied the winning run in the bottom of the eighth.  With one out, Ryan Fucci singled to left and Gabe Snyder had a hit to left center.  Fucci moved up to third on a throwing error by the pitcher while Snyder went to second as Jason DeFevers reached on a bunt single to load the bases.  John Brodner was then hit by a pitch on an 0-2 count to force in Fucci with the go-ahead run.

Andrew Elliott came on for the Raiders in the ninth and earned his eighth save of the season, giving up just a two-out single while striking out the side.  E.J. Trapino (6-0) picked up the win in relief, retiring all four batters he faced.

Timm finished with two hits, a RBI and a run scored while Snyder had two hits.

With the win, WSU has clinched one of two byes for next week's Horizon League Tournament.  The Raiders are still in contention for the regular-season title and the #1 seed.

Wright State (36-14, 19-8 Horizon) and Valparaiso (21-27, 15-12 Horizon) continue the three-game series Friday night at 6:30.