"There are no easy wins; they're all hard," SIUE Head Coach Gary Collins said. "You have to give them credit. They worked hard for that win. It just was not pretty."

The game-winning run was the last of five RBIs for Becherer. He finished 4 for 6 with a double, the five RBIs and two runs scored all while batting in the leadoff spot.

"That was pretty unexpected," Collins said of Becherer's performance. "I would not have predicted that, but that is the nature of baseball."

Zach Hawkins also finished with four hits. He was 4 for 4 with two walks and three runs.  Mitch Matecki was 3 for 5 with an RBI and a run. Matt Highland and Brian Sipe each were 2 for 5. The Cougars tied a season high with 17 hits total.

"I should have put my lineup together differently," Collins said. "I should have put those guys with two, three, and four hits together instead of spacing them out. That was a problem."

Benedictine (27-20) took a first inning lead with four runs against SIUE starter Drew Staples. Tommy Jennings hit a three-run home run in the inning for the Bulldogs. Jennings led Benedictine, going 3 for 4 with four RBIs. Staples pitched 4 2/3 innings allowing seven runs on six hits.

SIUE (15-17) answered with a six-run second inning to lead 6-4. Becherer and Joel Greatting each drove in two runs with hits. Devin Caldwell drove home a run with a triple.

The Bulldogs went back on top with a three-run fifth inning, and then took the lead with a run in the seventh to make it 8-6.

The Cougars scored three times in the seventh inning to go ahead 9-8. Benedictine tied the game in the eighth with a pair of hits. The run was charged to Brian Lorenz who allowed two runs over 2 2/3 innings in relief.

The Cougars had the bases loaded and one out in the eighth before a double play. SIUE stranded two more in the ninth inning. The Cougars left 14 runners on base during the game.

Dustin Quattrocchi (3-0) tossed the final 2 2/3 innings to earn the win. He allowed just a

single hit, did not allow a run, and struck out three.

"(Dustin) has held this team together," Collins said of the senior closer. "He has really been instrumental in a whole lot of our wins."

SIUE remains home to host Saint Louis Wednesday night. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m.