EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE dropped a 5-2 decision to Western Illinois in the first game of a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series at Roy E. Lee Field.

The Cougars fell to 13-6 in OVC play and 21-22 overall. Western Illinois improved to 15-26 and 7-12 in the league.

Western Illinois starter Max Tripure (4-6) limited the Cougars to just a run on two hits over the first five innings. The Leathernecks built a 4-0 lead with a run in the second, two in the third and another in the fourth against SIUE starter Tim Teixeira (3-3).

SIUE got on the board in the fifth inning on an RBI double by Daniel Gierer.

The Cougars trailed 5-1 in the ninth before getting a run back on a fielder's choice by Chase Bloomer.

Jorge Romero picked up his third save of the year for Western Illinois tossing the final four innings, allowing a run on three hits.

Ryan Niedzwiedz finished 2-4 for the Cougars, who finished with just five hits. SIUE couldn't take advantage of four walks and three hit batters and left 10 runners on base for the game.

Liam McKillop threw the final 5 2/3 innings for SIUE. He allowed an unearned run without allowing a hit. He struck out six.

SIUE and Western Illinois will play the second game of the series Saturday. The start time has been moved up to 12 p.m.