ST. LOUIS – The Billikens came within a run in the ninth, but ultimately fell to Saint Joseph's, 2-3. It is the fifth consecutive one-run game for SLU. Saint Louis falls to 31-17 overall and 13-6 in conference games. Senior Alex Alemann was stuck with the loss. He threw 7.1 innings, allowing six hits and three runs with four strikeouts.

Both teams were held scoreless for the first four innings. In the fifth, Saint Joseph's scored two in the top of the frame. The Billikens responded with a homerun from Alex Kelly in the bottom of the fifth. It was his eighth round-tripper of the season, most in the A-10.

The Hawks struck again in the top of the eighth, bringing the score to 3-1 heading to the ninth.

Saint Louis sent the top of their order to the plate in the final frame. The first two hitters were retired, but Kelly ripped a two-out single to center field to start the rally. He stole second to move into scoring position for Mike Vigliarolo, who drew a four-pitch walk. The Saint Joe's catcher tried to pick the runner off at first, but threw the ball into the outfield, allowing Kelly to advance to third. Pinch runner Jeremy Phillips stole second and the attempted throw caromed into the outfield, allowing Kelly to score from third. However, the Billikens were unable to score Phillips from second and lost 3-2.

Freshman Joe Powell was phenomenal in relief for SLU. He came in for Alemann in the eighth with one out. He did not allow a baserunner in the five outs and struck out four hitters.

Game two in the three game series between Saint Louis and Saint Joseph's is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.