ST. LOUIS - The Saint Louis Billikens topped the Massachusetts Minutemen 3-2 today. The Bills are now 26-12 on the year and 8-6 in conference play.  Sophomore RHP Clay Smith struck out five and allowed only six Minutemen to reach base in eight innings of work to pick up his fifth win of the season. The win snaps a four-game home losing skid.

The Minutemen put up two runs in the top of the third inning to gain an early advantage. However the Bills responded in the bottom of the inning with doubles from senior Jerry Mancuso and junior Mike Levine to cut the lead to one.

Saint Louis tied the game in the fourth on a Connor Gandossy sacrifice fly, scoring junior Steve Fernandez.

THe Billikens took the lead in the fifth, on an infield single from freshman Mike Vigliarolo. He drove in junior Alex Kelly, who scored the eventual winning run.

The Saint Louis pitching staff rebounded from a tough outing last night with strong performances. Smith led the way with eight innings. Senior Steve Jensen relieved him and produced three grounders. Though no hits left the infield, two runners reached. Senior Travis Parker closed out the game for the second consecutive night. He recorded the final two outs by producing a 6-4-3 double play. He now has six saves on the season. As a staff, the Billikens have not walked a single batter this series.

The two teams will meet up again tomorrow for the rubber match. Sophomore LHP Damian Rivera will take the hill for SLU, seeking his fourth win. First pitch is scheduled for Noon.