April 21, 2000

Box Score

ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis University baseball got down 6-1 before mounting a rally that fell just short as the Billikens (16-23, 4-12 C-USA) fell to Louisville 9-7 tonight at The Billiken Sports Center. The Billikens were within a run with the bases loaded and one out in the sixth, but could not plate another run as the Cards out-hit the Bills 12-8.

The Cardinals got on top of Billiken starter Dan Shouse (Ballwin, Mo./Marquette) early, scoring four runs in the first two innings. Three runs came in the second after two one-out singles set the stage for Mike Hook's three-run blast over the leftfield wall.

Saint Louis got on the board in the bottom of the third when Kurt Evans (Germantown, Tenn./Christian Bros.) drove in Eric Constable (Chesterfield, Mo./Marquette) with a two-out triple. Louisville added a pair in the top of the fourth and it looked bleak for the Billls.

Paul Miles (St. Louis, Mo./Jefferson College) started the scoring in a four-run fifth when he drew a walk, stole second and scored on Constable's one-out single. Jim Bredenkoetter (St. Louis, Mo./DeSmet) drew a walk after Evans struck out to set the table for Adam Shea (Chesterfield, Mo./DeSmet). The Billiken catcher cleared the bases, putting one over the wall in right center to put the game back within reach at 6-5.

Louisville answered with a pair of runs in the top of the sixth, which the Billikens nullified with two in the bottom of the frame. Mike Orrico (Boca Raton, Fla./Olympic Heights) posted a lead-off home run to centerfield and Constable was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. With one outs and the sacks still packed, Evans put the ball in play and the Cardinals got a force out at home. Saint Louis had its top batter at the plate, but Bredenkoetter struck out for out number two and Shea flied out to center to end the threat.

The Cardinals added an insurance run in the top of the ninth when pinch hitter Kyle Rajsich drew a bases loaded walk. UofL closer Sean Green put the Bills down in order in the bottom of the ninth for his fourth save of the season.

These two teams square off Sat., April 22 at noon for a doubleheader at The Billiken Sports Center. Scott Warman will have the action live on WINU 880 AM.