ELON – The Elon Phoenix scored six runs over their final two at-bats to hand La Salle a 7-6 loss on Saturday afternoon at Latham Park. 

Following a three-run 7th inning, Elon scored three more times in the 8th to turn a 5-4 La Salle lead into a 7-5 advantage of their own. The Explorers scored a run in the top of the 9th on a Ravert RBI groundout and had the tying run 90 feet away at third base but couldn't deliver a base hit against righty Chris Harris (S, 2).

La Salle righty Tom Fazzini (L, 0-2) was charged with three runs in the 8th on four hits. Luke Reilly made the start for the Explorers, limiting Elon to one run on three hits and three walks over five innings.  

The Explorers scored three insurance runs in the top of the 7th to take a 5-1 lead. Kevin McGowan started the inning with a single through the right side and moved to second on a Connor Hinchliffe sacrifice bunt. 

Collin McGowan chopped an infield single to the right side that allowed Kevin McGowan to score after a throwing error by the Elon second baseman. Joey Ravert and Jared Melone knocked back-to-back RBI doubles to give La Salle a four-run cushion. 

La Salle spotted the Phoenix an early 1-0 leadj but took control with two runs in the 4th after loading the bases with nobody out. Derek Prucnal was hit by a pitch to even the score at 1-1 before Kevin McGown gave La Salle the lead on a fielder's choice groundball. 

Ravert went 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI. Collin McGowan, Melone, and Kevin McGowan also had two hits apiece for the Explorers. 

La Salle looks to take the series finale on Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Latham Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.