The Saint Louis University baseball team (4-5) has dropped two of its last three games, including a 9-5 loss Tuesday to Bradley University.
The Billikens were unable to hold onto a three-run lead as the Braves overtook the Bills for good with a three-run seventh inning. Bradley was led by center fielder Steve Strickler, who crushed two home runs in the victory. Strickler had a game-high five RBI and controlled the Bills with his offensive prowess.
The Billikens were unable to put consistent offense together against the Braves. The Bills’ offense scattered hits in multiple innings, but once they gave up the lead nothing came together.
When the Bills would get something that looked like a rally going, they would get thrown out on the basepaths. The Bills went 0-3 in stolen base attempts.
The Bills did get a quality start out of senior hurler Dan Shouse, who went five and two-thirds innings while surrendering three runs. But after Shouse left, the Bills pitchers struggled immensely.
Junior reliever Brad Wehrfritz relieved Shouse and gave up two hits, two walks and three runs in just one inning of work. When Wehrfritz left the game, it was 6-5 Braves.
Then came sophomore reliever Jake Baumgartner, who had a rough outing. Baumgartner gave up two hits, two walks and three earned runs in his one inning of work.
Once Shouse left the game, Bradley didn’t look back. The Bills were done for, closing shop for the afternoon. In the end the only Billiken multiple-hit game came from senior second baseman Nick Steiner.
The Bills fared much better last weekend, earning a split with IUPUI. The Bills dropped the first game 7-3. Billiken senior starter Ben Hutton gave up seven runs in his roughest start of the year. Prior to that Hutton’s ERA was below one, but after Saturday, his ERA is hovering near four.
On Sunday, the Billiken offense erupted in an 18-run and 18-hit performance. Once again, the Bills offense was led by senior designated hitter Mike Orrico, who went 3-5 at the plate with two home runs. Orrico had a career high six RBI as well.
Sophomore outfielder Steve Moss also had a career day, going 4-6 with a home run and five RBI. The Bills’ pitching was led by junior starter Wes Jaillet, who threw seven strong innings while only surrendering three earned runs. With the win, Jaillet improved to 2-1 on the year.
The Billikens return to action today against Southwest Missouri State at 2:30 p.m.
The Bills will then close out their 11-game homestand with a three game series against Illinois-Chicago.
After that, the Bills hit the road for their annual spring-break road trip before opening their conference schedule.
