Saint Louis survived a late Eastern Illinois rally to beat the Panthers 13-12 in 10 innings. Sophomore Brett Shimanovsky (1-1) earned the win as the Billikens rise to 9-7 overall.
The Billikens scored 11 runs in the first four innings to pull out to an early 11-6 lead. Both teams scored in the seventh and SLU maintained its five-run lead. However, an EIU two-run eighth and three-run ninth sent the game into extra innings.
In the top of the 10th, the Panthers were set down in order to give SLU a chance to win. Josh Bunselmeyer led off with a shot to centerfield that was tracked down by the Panthers. The next hitter, Mike Vigliarolo, singled through the left side, putting the winning run on base. Jake Henson followed with a single to left, moving Vigliarolo to second. Eastern Illinois pitched around Braxton Martinez for a five-pitch walk, loading the bases with one out for Jeremy Phillips. Phillips lifted a ball down the right field line that was just deep enough to score Vigliarolo from third.
Other than the game-winning sacrifice fly, Bunselmeyer had the game’s biggest hit, blasting a three-run home run to left center. It was his second round-tripper of the season and his second in two days. Bunselmeyer finished the game 1-3 with three runs scored and three RBIs.
Vigliarolo and Colton Frabasilio also had good days at the play. Frabasilio was 3-4 with two doubles, a run and an RBI. Vigliarolo was 3-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored, including the game-winner.
Next up for the Billikens is a weekend series against Northern Colorado. Game one is set for March 13 at 6 p.m. at the Billiken Sports Center
