April 4, 2008

Box Score

ST. LOUIS, MO - Still in search of its first Atlantic 10 Conference win, the La Salle University Baseball team dropped a 6-3 decision to host Saint Louis, Friday night at The Billikens Sports Center.

In seven tries, the Explorers have yet to put a tick in the win column, but have been close in five of the ballgames - losing three by three runs and a pair by two.

In the latest, Saint Louis (12-13, 3-4 A-10) jumped up on La Salle 5-0 with three runs in the third and two more in the fourth.

After getting the first two outs of the third inning, La Salle starter Jamie Cowan allowed a walk, a single, and a walk to load the bases. Mike Beal then singled through the left side to score two, and a bases loaded walk to batters later brought in the third.

In the fourth, Greg Rodgers hit a two-run home run to put the Billikens up 5-0. Two more batters reached base before La Salle called upon Joe Vincent from the pen.

La Salle (4-24, 0-7 A-10) would finally get some runs on the board in the sixth on three straight hits. Shane Frangiosa singled to lead off the frame, followed by a John Malloy double down the right field line.

Justin Handler drove the pair in with a double to left before Saint Louis starter Scott Turmail would get the next two batters. However, Mike Dertouzos was hit by a pitch, and Kevin Jones hit a single to right center to score Handler.

Turmail (5-1) pitched eight innings, allowing eight hits and three runs, before the Billikens turned to closer Ziggy Moore, who allowed a lead-off double to Brian Meagher, but earned his second save of the season. Cowan (0-7) suffered the loss for the Explorers.

The two teams will play the second contest of their three-game A-10 series on Saturday at 2 PM EST.