The Billikens had a five-game win streak snapped as they fell to no. 12 Illinois in Champaign, Ill. by the score of 7-2. Connor Lehmann (1-3) was pegged with the loss. Saint Louis falls to 21-11 overall.
The Billikens got started in the first inning with a one-out RBI double from Jake Henson, scoring Colton Frabasilio from third. It was Henson’s 35th RBI of the season. Since the inception of BBCOR bats in 2011, only three Billikens have surpassed 40 RBIs in a season: Alex Kelly in 2012 (41) and 2013 (61), and Mike Vigliarolo in 2013 (42).
Lehmann retired the first seven Illini hitters he saw, but Illinois jumped out to score twice in the third and take a 2-1 lead.
The Illini scored three more in the fourth to bring the tally to 5-1.
Saint Louis added a run in the sixth on back-to-back doubles from Braxton Martinez and Parker Sniatynski. However, Illinois plated two more in the bottom of the frame to draw the score to 7-2 in favor of the Illini.
Next up for the Billikens is a three-game series against Atlantic 10 foe La Salle on April 10-12 at the Billiken Sports Center. First pitch on Friday is set for 6 p.m.
