ST. LOUIS - Despite a pitching gem from senior RHP Clay Smith, Saint Louis dropped the Blue Devil Classic opener to Akron, 2-1. The loss drops the Billikens to 1-3 overall. Smith was tabbed with the loss, his first of the season. 

Smith was strong against the Zips. He threw six innings, allowing four hits with one earned run. Smith matched his career high with eight punch outs and only walked one. It is the fourth eight-strikeout game of his career.

Akron scored first in the second and added their second run in the fifth. Heading to the sixth, the Zips led 2-0.

In the sixth, Akron went to the bullpen and the Billikens took advantage. With junior Danny Murphy on first and one out, sophomore Braxton Martinez ripped a double to left field, scoring Murphy. However, SLU was unable to plate any more runners and the Zips escaped with a 2-1 win. 

The Billikens return to action tomorrow with a mid-day matchup with Duke. First pitch is scheduled for noon (CT). Saint Louis will send flame thrower James Norwood to the hill for the start.