ERIE, Pa. – Saint Louis used a five-run fifth inning to take control and held on late for a 7-5 win over St. Bonaventure on Friday afternoon at Mercyhurst Field.
 
After being held scoreless through the first four innings, the Billikens broke through in the fifth, plating five runs on a series of timely hits to flip a 3-0 deficit into a 5-3 lead.
 
Saint Louis added insurance in the eighth and ninth innings, which proved crucial as St. Bonaventure pushed across two runs in the seventh to cut into the lead.
 
Drew Kleinheider paced the Billikens offensively, going 3-for-5 with a double and three RBIs. Chase Beattie added a key swing with a two-run home run, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Matthew Arnold reached base three times with a hit and two walks while scoring twice.
 
On the mound, Ben Cherico turned in a strong start, tossing 5.2 innings while allowing just four hits and no earned runs, striking out five. Drew Welk was effective out of the bullpen, earning the win with 2.1 scoreless innings and three strikeouts.
 
UP NEXT
Saint Louis and St. Bonaventure will face off again on Saturday with a 1 p.m. Central first pitch.