TULSA, Okla. -- Perhaps the Mid-Continent Conference coaches would like to revote for league pitcher of the year. Maybe Dennis Bigley would win this time.

ORU's sophomore right-hander was in dominant form, tossing a one-hitter and striking out 12 in the Golden Eagles' 8-0 victory over Valparaiso in the opening round of the Mid-Con Tournament, Thursday at J.L. Johnson Stadium.

Bigley (10-2) faced just one batter over the minimum, retiring the game's first 18 batters before surrendering a lead-off single in the seventh. He threw just 91 pitches in the game, 73 for strikes. He also helped his own cause at the plate, belting a solo home run in the seventh.

Despite leading in the Mid-Con in victories, defeating both Miami and Missouri Valley Conference champion Southwest Missouri State on the road, and capturing a pair of national pitcher of the week awards, Bigley was snubbed in Mid-Con Pitcher of the Year voting as Valpo's Tom Starck and ORU's Dallas Martin tied for the top honor.

Starck (4-2) took the loss for the Crusaders, allowing six runs on three hits in 4.2 innings, walking six and hitting two.

David Castillo gave ORU and Bigley all the runs they needed when he belted a two-out solo home run in the bottom of the first. His league-leading 17th homer gave ORU a 1-0 lead.

The Golden Eagles made it 5-0 in the fourth, using small ball to give Bigley some breathing room. Scott Campbell and Nate Griffin bunted home a run each, and two more runs scored on an error and the back end of a double steal attempt.

ORU added another run in the fifth for a 6-0 lead. Ryan Welborn singled home a run in the sixth for a 7-0 lead and Bigley capped the scoring with his seventh homer in the seventh inning.

Bigley then capped his marvelous performance by striking out the side in the ninth.

The Golden Eagles take on Southern Utah, 3:30 p.m., Friday in a winner's bracket game.