ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis redshirt senior Clay Smith (5-0) rebounded from an early home run to earn his fifth win of the season as the Billikens defeated Rhode Island 8-3. The win was Smith's 21st of his career, tying him with John Marcum (1964-66) for third on SLU's all-time list. 

The Bills rise to 14-7 overall and 1-0 in conference action.

Rhode Island did all of its scoring in the first inning on a three-run home run. 

Saint Louis answered in the third inning scoring twice: once on a throwing error and once on an RBI double from Mike Vigliarolo.

The Billikens took the lead in the fifth on a two-run round-tripper from Michael Bozarth, his first of the year. 

Josh Bunselmeyer took his turn in the sixth, ripping a solo blast to deep left field to bring the score to 5-3 in favor of SLU. 

Bozarth drove in another run in the eighth on an RBI double to left. He later scored on a groundout, giving Saint Louis the 8-3 victory. 

Smith threw 8.0 innings, allowing seven hits and three runs (all earned). He struck out 10 (a career high) and walked three. Smith showed his endurance, striking out four batters in a row after his 100th pitch. 

Offensively, Bozarth was 3-4 with three runs scored, three RBI, a double and a home run. He also stole his eight base of the season, the 32nd of his career. Bozarth is tied for 15th all time at Saint Louis in steals. 

Game two of the Rhode Island series takes place tomorrow, March 21 at 2 p.m. at the Billiken Sports Center.