ELON, N.C. – La Salle scored twice in the top of the 8th inning and had the tying run at the plate but couldn't complete the comeback in a 7-4 loss to Elon on Friday evening at Latham Park. 

With the Explorers down five runs in the 8th inning, Ethan Springston delivered a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded and one out to cut Elon's lead to 7-3. Drew Jarmuz then singled in a run to make it 7-4 before Ben Faso grounded out with two runners on to end the inning.

Collin McGowan singled through the left side with two outs in the 9th but the Explorers couldn't get anything else going against Elon closer Chris Hall. The righty recorded the final four outs to record the save. 

The Explorers took a 1-0 lead in the 1st on an RBI groundout by Joey Ravert, who also started on the hill for La Salle. The junior was charged with the loss after giving up three earned runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out five. 

The Explorers are back in action tomorrow afternoon as they take on the Phoenix in game two of the series. First pitch from Latham Park is set for 2:30 p.m.