Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Liberty Box Score | Savannah State Box Score

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - La Salle scored two runs late in the game against Savannah State, but came up short in a 4-2 loss on Saturday afternoon at the USC Upstate Tournament at Cyrill Stadium in Spartanburg, S.C. The Explorers fell 10-1 in five innings to Liberty prior to the Savannah State game.

Savannah State (3-4) scored all four of its runs in the top of the first inning sparked by back-to-back doubles to lead off the game along with a two-run home run for the third and fourth runs of the inning.

The Explorers (0-3) got on board in the sixth inning when Linnette Siedler reached first on a wild pitch on strike three. She stole second and then advanced to third in a passed ball. Tiger catcher Chelsea Parrish attempted to throw her out, but a throwing error allowed Siedler to score to get the Explorers on the scoreboard.

The Blue & Gold added another run in the seventh. Tristan Musho blasted a lead-off double to right center field, and Breanna DiTommaso was brought in to pinch run. DiTommaso advanced to third on a Shannon Skomorucha groundout to second base and then scored on Kati Cooper's RBI groundout to second. The Explorers could not capitalize, however, as the game ended on another groundout to second base.

Alyssa Bitsimis got the start in the pitcher's circle, but went just one inning after giving up four runs on four hits. Alicia Aughton came on in relief, going the remaining six innings while giving up just two hits and no runs, along with issuing just one walk and striking out two.

Madison Hedderly picked up the win for the Tigers, going the distance while giving up two runs on three hits and fanning 11 batters.

Earlier in the day, the Explorers dropped a 10-1 game in five innings to Liberty (5-2). The Flames put up six runs in the top of the first on five hits.

The Explorers attempted to rally, getting one of the runs back in the bottom of the frame. Siedler led off with a single just past Flame second baseman Grace Nordan. One out later, she stole second to get into scoring position and capitalized on an Aughton RBI single to right field.

The Flames clamped down after that, not allowing another Explorer run while getting one more in the fourth and three in the fifth to invoke the eight-run rule.

Kristin Travers went 4.1 innings in the circle, giving up 10 runs (seven earned) on 11 hits and issuing two walks. Bitsimis pitched two-thirds of an inning in relief, giving up one hit.

Alyssa DiMartino got the win for the Flames, going all five innings while giving up one run on two hits and striking out three.

The Explorers wrap up play at the Upstate Tournament on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. when they face host Upstate once more. They then take a week off before a two-game set at Georgia Southern on March 4 and 5.