NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - Charleston Southern scored four runs in the first four innings to capture the series opener over La Salle, 4-0, on Friday afternoon at CSU Ballpark. Senior Ryan Welling had a pair of hits to lead the Explorer offense.

The Buccaneers (4-0) got on the board to start the game with an unearned run in the first. CSU added two in the third and one in the fourth.

The Explorers (2-2) had their best chance to score in the seventh after a walk to Josh Savakinus, a single by Welling and a wild pitch gave the visitors second and third with two outs. A strikeout ended the rally.

La Salle was held to six hits for the day, with two from Welling. Cameron Johnson and Savakinus doubled for the Blue and Gold, while Michael Flax and Justin Korenblatt each added singles.

Jared Mattera (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing two earned runs in 3.1 innings. Luke Reilly and Greg Paprocki both threw well in relief. Reilly surrendered an earned run in 3.1 innings while Paprocki recorded the final five outs, walking one and striking out two. 

Andrew Tomasovich (2-0) picked up the win, striking out 13 in seven innings and scattering four hits. Evan Raynor threw the final two innings for CSU.

La Salle will take on #1 Virginia on Saturday at CSU Ballpark at 11 AM before resuming the series with Charleston Southern at 4 PM.