Saint Louis defeated Illinois 8-3 on Wednesday afternoon, earning a split the two-game series.

Shortstop Kevin Jordan had a career day against the Fighting Illini, going 3-3 with five RBIs and two runs scored in the game. He got things started for the Billikens in the bottom of the second, smacking two-run double. In the fourth inning, Jordan hit his first home run of the year over the left field fence, driving in two more runs. A bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning gave him five RBIs on the afternoon.

Zach Freiling also had three hits on Wednesday, going 3-4 with three runs scored.

Luke Matheny earned his first win in a Billiken uniform, throwing 5.0 innings, giving up one earned run on eight hits and striking out three.

Reliever Charlie Sheehan dominated his three innings of relief, allowing two hits and striking out four.

Ryan Lefner needed nine pitches to close things out in the bottom of the ninth, fininshing off the Illini for a Billiken victory.

Saint Louis opens up conference play on Friday when Dayton comes to town. The three game-series kicks off with a 6:00 p.m. first pitch agains the Flyers.