Saint Louis evened up the series with Richmond, defeating the Spiders 9-7 on Friday.

Jake Garella continued his hot hitting, smacking double No. 26 on the season to score two runs in the first inning. He then hit a grand slam in the top of the fifth inning, for his sixth home run of the year. Garella finished the afternoon 2-4 with six RBIs and one run scored.

Ben Livorsi provided some much needed insurance runs in the top of the ninth inning, hitting his seventh home run of 2019. The three-run shot put the Billikens up 9-5 heading into the final frame. Livorsi wrapped up the game going 2-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

Cody Luther picked up his team-leading eighth win, tossing 5.1 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits and striking out three.

Jackson Wark earned his second save of the year, escaping trouble with runners at second and third, getting the final two outs in the contest. He struck out his first batter faced, and the second grounded out to short stop.

The Billikens and Spiders will square off for the rubber match Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m.