MARION, Ill. – Maryville University dropped the opening game of the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament to Drury University on Thursday afternoon. The Saints surrendered a 3-1 lead in the top of the ninth before the Panthers separated themselves with a three-run 11^th inning.
 
Drury Recap
Jacob Kroeger began his start by retiring the Panthers in order in the top of the first with a pair of strikeouts. The Saints loaded the bases in the bottom half with two outs, but Drury starter Cody Bahl tight-roped out of danger with a pop-out.
 
The day's first run came in the bottom of the fourth. Camden Ruby was hit by a pitch and came around to score on an RBI double from Stephen Randazzo. Andy Bunton singled to advance the runner and Jack Zebig brought in the run with a single to center to open a 2-0 lead.
 
Kroeger hit trouble in the top of the sixth when Tyler Bastunas doubled on the first pitch of the inning. He got the first out of the inning before surrendering a two-strike RBI double to Luke Burke. After getting one more out and walking a batter, Kroeger gave way to Noah Arras out of the bullpen and hit the first batter he saw to load the bases. Connor Bain worked the count to 2-2 before Arras got him to fly out to left to end the threat.
 
In the top of the seventh, Maryville put runners on first and third with one out after singles from Zebig and Michael Gould. Stevens did the job with a fly ball to right field to restore a two-run lead for the Saints before Bahl worked out with a grounder to the shortstop.
 
Drury rallied for two in the ninth, highlighted by a Brooks Sunny two-RBI single to tie the game with two outs.
 
Now in extra innings, Drury put a runner in scoring position after a Maryville error and a wild pitch. Bastunas again delivered for the Panthers with an RBI double in the next at-bat. Two batters later, Burke homered to open a 6-3 lead.
 
Mason Meeks wrapped up the win with three scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
 
Winning Pitcher: Mason Meeks (7-4)
Losing Pitcher: Ben Prywitch (4-3)
  
Batting Leaders
Stephen Randazzo: 1-for-5, 2B, RBI, R
Elias Stevens: 1-for-4, RBI
Jack Zebig: 2-for-6, RBI, R
 
Records:
Maryville: 32-17
Drury: 28-23
 
What's Next?
The Saints will take on the loser of the University of Illinois Springfield and William Jewell matchup on Friday, May 12. The first pitch is set for 9 a.m.