ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis used a seven-run third and a 10-run seventh inning to down SIUE 24-9 in at the Billiken Sports Complex. It was the final nonconference game of the season for the Cougars.

"Two big innings doomed us," SIUE Head Coach Sean Lyons said. "It was just too big of a mountain to climb."

The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Cougars, who fell to 21-25. Saint Louis improved to 27-18.

SIUE scored in the top of the first inning when Chris Monasmith singled to drive home Jared McCunn.

The Billikens answered with a run in the second. After the Cougars failed to score in the third, Saint Louis came back with seven runs on six hits and an SIUE error.

"We couldn't make the pitches we needed to to get out of the third and it just compiled from after that," Lyons said.

The Billikens had a 13-2 lead when SIUE cut into the lead with a four-run top of the seventh inning. Eric Giltz and Mario Tursi each had RBI-hits in the inning. Alec Skender drove home two runs with a single before he was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double.

The Billikens answered with the 10-run frame against three SIUE pitchers.

"We got ourselves within striking distance and then in the bottom of the seventh we again couldn't get it done."

A.J. Johnson started the inning, and allowed five runs in just 1/3 of an inning. Devin Colley failed to retire a hitter and allowed five runs. Mason McReaken finished the game. He allowed a run in 1 2/3 innings.

Brendan Miller (1-3) started and allowed seven runs in 2 2/3 innings. Tyler Hutchinson allowed four runs in an inning. Mike Miller surrendered two runs in 1 1/3 innings. Michael Shereyk worked a scoreless sixth inning.

"We didn't get the results on the mound that we needed," Lyons said.

SIUE scored nine runs on 14 hits. Skender, Monasmith, Tursi and Aaron Jackson and each finished with two hits for the Cougars. Skender collected three RBIs.

"On the offensive side we continued to put up good at-bats," Lyons said.

Carter Hanford had four hits and drove in three runs for the Billikens.

SIUE has six games remaining, all Ohio Valley Conference contests. The Cougars finish the home schedule with a three-game series against Eastern Illinois beginning Friday at Simmons Complex.

"We just have to put tonight behind us and get ready for the weekend," Lyons said.