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CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Western Carolina used a three-run eighth inning to cap off a 6-4 victory over the La Salle baseball team on Friday afternoon at Childress Field/Hennon Stadium. The Explorers scored four runs in the top of the eighth to open up a 4-3 lead before giving it right back in the bottom of the frame.

Kevin Baron highlighted the day offensively for the Blue and Gold, going 2-for-4 with a walk and run scored while extending his hitting streak to six consecutive games.

Down 3-0 entering the eighth inning, La Salle (1-7) pounced on WCU reliever Bryan Sammons following seven shutout innings from starter Jeremy Null. A trio of singles by George Smith Jr (1-4, R), Baron, and Justin Korenblatt (1-4, R) put the offense in motion, cutting the deficit to 3-1. Baron and Korenblatt later touched home on an error by Sammons to tie up the ballgame. Josh Savakinus (0-2, 2 BB) worked a two-out walk, scoring Cameron Johnson (0-4, R) to give the Explorers their first lead of the day.

The Catamounts (5-2) responded. Freddy Andujar (0-3) took to the hill and retired only one batter while walking one and hitting another. He was charged with two earned runs and his third loss of the season. Tom Fazzini gave up another to provide the home team with a 6-4 cushion.

La Salle starter Shawn O'Neill logged his best outing the season, throwing seven innings of three-run ball behind four strikeouts and no walks.

The two squads will square off again on Saturday at 2:00 PM.