ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis dropped an 8-5 decision to Illinois State on Tuesday afternoon at the Billiken Sports Center.
 
Illinois State jumped out to an early lead with a run in the first inning before breaking the game open with four runs in the fourth to take a 5-0 advantage.
 
The Billikens answered in the bottom of the fourth with a four-run frame to get back into the game. Saint Louis strung together several hits in the inning, highlighted by RBI knocks from Riley Iffrig, Hank Gomric and Matthew Arnold, to cut the deficit to 5-4.
 
The Redbirds added a run in the sixth to extend their lead to 6-4 before Saint Louis responded again in the seventh. The Billikens plated one run to make it a one-run game at 6-5.
 
Illinois State created separation late, scoring two runs in the ninth inning to secure the 8-5 victory.
 
Saint Louis finished with 13 hits on the afternoon. Iffrig led the way with three hits and an RBI, while Gomric added two hits and a run scored. Arnold and Drew Kleinheide each recorded two hits, and Arnold also drove in a run.

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Saint Louis opens Atlantic 10 play against Dayton with a home series starting on Friday at 6 p.m.