ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis dropped the first contest against Charlotte, 10-7. The Billikens fall to 34-18 overall and 15-7 in Atlantic 10 games. Senior RHP Alex Alemann (6-6) was tabbed with the loss. The SLU defense committed four errors in the game, a season-high, including three from Alemann, also a season high. 

The 49ers jumped out to an early lead after scoring a run in each of the first four innings. The Bills scored a run in the bottom of the first on an Alex Kelly RBI single. However, through four, the Niners led 4-1. 

Charlotte added two more in the sixth on a two-run homerun to left. Saint Louis senior Grant Nelson hit an RBI single through the right side in the bottom of the frame to cut the score to 6-2.

The Niners hit another home run in the seventh. It is the first time this season an opponent has hit two home runs at the Billiken Sports Center. Alec Solé scored in the bottom of the seventh to bring the score to 9-3, in favor of Charlotte.

Saint Louis made a charge in the eighth, scoring four runs in the inning. Kelly and C.J. Rose hit RBI singles, while Solé drove two in on a fielder's choice. Entering the final frame, SLU trailed 7-9.

Charlotte added their tenth run of the game in the ninth, giving SLU a three-run deficit heading into the bottom of the inning. Saint Louis made great contact, but was unable to score, losing the contest 10-7. 

Game two between the squads is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. tomorrow, May 17. Junior RHP Clay Smith will take the hill against Charlotte LHP John Hamilton.