March 2, 2005

Box Score

ST. LOUIS - Senior John Bridges was one of three Billikens to record a pair of hits, but Saint Louis could not hold off Southeast Missouri State in an 8-3 loss this afternoon. The Billikens (1-4) took an early lead, but the Redhawks had the answer at every turn, including three RBI from Frank Montiel.

SLU struck first on a ground ball from Matt Gerst that plated Pat Steinhoff in the top of the first. The Redhawks came right back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning on a double from Montiel and an RBI single from Freddy Lopez. Both pitchers settled down, keeping both offenses off the board for the next three innings.

The Billikens scored in the top of the fifth on SEMO reliever Jamie McAlister after Jon Guyre reached third on an error to lead off the inning. After McAlister fanned the next two hitters, he saw Guyre score on a wild pitch to tie the game. Again, SEMO had the answer, however, with two runs in the bottom of the inning. Both runs came after SLU starter Lance Rhodes retired the first two hitters. Ernie Bracamonte drove in the go-ahead run with a double to left center, and Montiel plate Bracamonte with his second double of the game.

With a 4-2 lead, the Redhawks added another run in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI double from Brady Noll off Billiken reliever Eric Brewer. Steinhoff got the run back for the Billikens with an RBI double down the right field line, but it was all the offense the Billikens could manage. SEMO added two more runs in the bottom of the eighth for the 8-3 decision.

Rhodes took the loss for SLU in his first career start. SEMO's Jamie McAlister picked up the win to improve to 1-2 on the season. Bill Musselman joined Steinhoff and Bridges with a pair of hits for the Billikens.

Saint Louis travels to Troy for a three-game series this weekend. The teams begin the series Fri., Mar. 4, at 6 p.m.