May 6, 2000

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - For the second-consecutive contest, a four-run inning fell just short of getting a victory for Saint Louis University as the Billikens fell to UNC Charlotte 8-6 in Conference USA baseball action tonight. The Billikens (18-31, 5-18, C-USA) out-hit the 49ers 12-9 and scored multiple runs in the first and last innings, but could not score in between.

Down 8-2 heading into their final at-bat, the Billikens made it interesting. Kurt Evans (Germantown, Tenn./Christian Bros.) led off with a single, followed by a double from pinch hitter Steve Moss (Arnold, Mo./Pius X). Eric Constable (Chesterfield, Mo./Marquette) reached on an error that also allowed Evans and Moss to score. Brian Haddock (St. Louis, Mo./SLUH) kept the hit parade going with a single to left, advancing Constable to third. Jim Bredenkoetter (St. Louis, Mo./DeSmet) drove in Constable with a sacrifice fly, but Haddock was doubled up on the play for the second out.

With the lead cut in half at 8-5, the rally was on. Adam Shea (Chesterfield, Mo./DeSmet) put a two-out single into centerfield and pinch hitter Wes Jaillet (Wildwood, Mo./Lafayette) was hit by a pitch. Brandon Shockley (Chesterfield, Mo./Parkway Central) continued his hot hitting since returning from an injury to drive in John McLaughlin (Glencoe, Mo./Eureka) who was brought into run for Shea. With a two-run lead and two men on, 49er starter Ryan Baker turned it over to Michael Park. The reliever got pinch hitter Jeremiah Harrington (Los Angeles, Calif./Palasades) to ground out to first to collect his first save of the season.

The Billikens were on the board with two runs in the first inning, capitalizing on a fielding error and a pair of two-out singles. UNCC answered with a run in the bottom of the frame and added three more in the bottom of the second. The 49ers tacked on a pair in each of the fifth and sixth innings to extend the lead. Billiken reliever Dan Parker (Ballwin, Mo./SLUH) came on in the sixth and pitched brilliantly, not allowing a hit over the final 2-1/3 innings while striking out six of the eight batters he faced.

Saint Louis starter Dan Shouse (Ballwin, Mo./Marquette) again fell victim to limited offensive support as he allowed all eight runs, six earned, and struck out six in 5-2/3 innings. He took the loss, while Baker got the win for UNCC.

The teams play the final game of the three-game series Sun., May 7, at 11 a.m. (CT).