MACOMB, Ill. – Saint Louis erased an early deficit with a four-run fourth inning but could not hold the lead, falling 8-6 to Western Illinois Leathernecks Tuesday afternoon.
Western Illinois struck first with a two-run home run in the second inning, but the Billikens responded in a big way in the fourth. Saint Louis loaded the bases and pushed across two runs on walks by Matt Deutsch and Austin Neuweg before Krew Bond delivered a two-run double to give SLU a 4-2 advantage.
The Leathernecks answered immediately in the bottom half, scoring three runs to regain a 5-4 lead, highlighted by a two-run triple. Western Illinois added another run in the fifth to extend the margin to 6-4.
After a scoreless sixth, the Leathernecks created separation in the seventh with a two-run home run to push the lead to 8-4.
Saint Louis chipped away late, getting an RBI single from Joey Canzoni in the eighth and a sacrifice fly from Ian Halverson in the ninth, but the rally fell short.
Both teams finished with seven hits, but Western Illinois capitalized on key extra-base hits and timely scoring innings.
Inside the Box Score
- Krew Bond went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs
- Joey Canzoni recorded a hit, RBI and scored a run
- Saint Louis drew five walks in the fourth inning to fuel its four-run frame
- Western Illinois hit two home runs and a triple
Up Next
Saint Louis hosts Rhode Island this weekend in a big Atlantic 10 Conference series at the Billiken Sports Center. The series opener is set for Friday at 6 p.m.
