ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis freshman shortstop Alex King hit his first career home run, and the Billikens' first of the season, as SLU fell to North Florida 6-8. Sophomore Robert Plohr (1-2) was hit with the loss. Saint Louis is now 3-4 on the season.

The Billikens opened the game strong, scoring three runs in the first inning. Danny Murphy led off with a double and was driven in by Trent Leimkuehler. Leimkuehler scored on an RBI single from Jake Henson. Michael Bozarth drove Mike Vigliarolo in to round up the scoring. 

The Ospreys responded with a three-run inning of their own in the third. North Florida then took the lead in the top of the fourth with a two-run frame.

In the bottom of the fourth, Josh Bunselmeyer doubled to center field, scoring Bozarth. Bunselmeyer later scored on a UNF error to tie the game at five. 

North Florida had its second three-run inning in the sixth to give them an 8-5 lead.

Saint Louis was unable to respond until the bottom of the ninth, when King ripped a ball down the left field line. SLU got the tying run on, but was unable to drive it in. 

Next up for Saint Louis is a mid-week showdown against regional rival SIUE on Wednesday, Feb. 26 in Edwardsville, Ill. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.