Baseball | February 18, 2016

PHILADELPHIA –The La Salle baseball team will open its 2016 season this weekend with a four-game series against Winthrop University at The Winthrop Ballpark in Rock Hill, S.C. The Explorers will rely on experience and an influx of youth this season in an attempt to make it back to the A-10 tournament for the fourth time in seven years.

"We want to make A-10's and make a run at it," said senior Joey Ravert. "Try to get an A-10 Championship and get to Regionals."

The Explorers return four starters in the field in Ravert (1B/DH), infielders Collin McGowan and Michael Flax, and outfielder Ethan Springston. Ravert was selected to the A-10 All-Conference First Team as a DH last season after hitting .338 with 11 homers and 44 RBI's last season. 

La Salle will trot out four experienced hurlers this weekend against the Eagles in Ravert, Luke Reilly, Jared Mattera and Jorge Jiminez. The foursome combined to make 38 appearances (24 starts) in 2015. Ravert and Jimenez were named among the A-10's Top MLB Draft Prospects by D1Baseball.com earlier this month.

The Blue and Gold will also rely on 12 freshmen to compete for playing time this spring. Head coach Mike Lake recognized the importance of the freshmen class' potential contributions this season, but also the role of upperclassmen in helping them get acclimated to the college game. 

"This could be one of the best freshman classes that we've brought in," said Lake. "They're really listening and paying attention to the older guys, and the older guys are bringing real good senior leadership to the team. That's what it's all about."

"We have a lot of young guys who are eager to compete," added Ravert. "We have a lot of open spots, so the atmosphere has been very competitive at practice." 

Following this weekend's action the Explorers host Lafayette on Tuesday afternoon in their home opener. First pitch from Hank DeVincent Field is set for 3 p.m.