Philadelphia, PA - La Salle University Head Coach Lee Saverio kicked off his inaugural season as head coach of the Explorers with a 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Rams today, Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at Hank DeVincent Field on the campus of La Salle University.

Explorer senior Brian Oakes (Doylestown, PA/Central Bucks East) got the team started when he singled to center field in the bottom of the second. Oakes then advanced to second on a passed ball and scored off a single from fellow senior Jay Snyder (Milton, PA/Milton).

Oakes then came out in the fourth inning and hit a bomb to right field, tallying his first home run of the season. He finished the game 2-4 from the plate, scored two runs and batted in one run. Jay Snyder was a perfect 2-2 from the plate, he scored one run and also batted in one run.

La Salle junior Ryan Parfitt (Flourtown, PA/La Salle) also scored two runs for the Explorers while senior John Snyder (Lititz, PA/Manheim Township) and sophomore Mike Essery (Havertown, PA/Cardinal O'Hara) both added a run in the victory.

Senior right handed pitcher Eric Ruhland (Philadelphia, PA/Father Judge) recorded his first win of the season as he pitched in three innings. Ruhland struck out six batters and walked just one in his three innings of play. He was relieved by juniors Jarrod Ringer (Schnecksville, PA/Parkland), and Matt Kirsch (West Chester, PA/Archbishop Carroll) as well as sophomore John Reifsnyder (Flourtown, PA/La Salle).

La Salle continues its season tomorrow as they host the West Chester University Golden Rams at 3:00 p.m. at Hank DeVincent Field.