Saint Louis baseball scored 14 runs on 18 hits to complete the three-game sweep of East Tennessee State 14-3. Zach Girrens (5-1) earned the win after throwing five innings allowing six hits, three runs (two earned), one walk and seven strikeouts. The Billikens rise to 21-10 overall.
In the series, SLU hit .400 with a slugging percentage of .564 and an on-base percentage of .457. The Billikens outscored the Buccaneers 35-15 over the three games. ETSU was held to two extra base hits the entire series.
Several Billiken hitters were strong in the finale against ETSU. Mike Vigliarolo was 3-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Jake Henson also was 3-4 with a home run (his seventh of the season), two runs and four RBI. Michael Bozarth was 3-4 with three runs, an RBI and three steals.
After Girrens’ performance as the starting pitcher, the Billiken bullpen rose to the occasion. Damian Rivera threw a scoreless inning allowing one hit and striking out one. He was followed by Brett Shimanovsky, who threw a scoreless seventh allowing one hit. Matt Eckelman threw the final two innings, allowing one hit, walking one and striking out one.
Next up for Saint Louis is a midweek showdown against nationally ranked Illinois. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. in Champaign, Ill.
