WASHINGTON – The Explorers scored twice in the final three innings but came up a run short in a 4-3 loss at George Washington to open Atlantic 10 play on Friday afternoon. 

Jared Melone was hit by a pitch to spark a La Salle rally with the Explorers down 4-2 with two outs in the 9th. A Joey Ravert single moved Melone to third before Ethan Springston made it a one-run game with a single to left. 

With Ravert representing the tying run at second base, Chase Arnold grounded out against Eddie Muhl (S, 6) to end the game. Muhl entered for the final out after 8.2 innings from Bobby LeWarne (W, 3-2), who limited the Explorers to three runs (two earned) on seven hits and four walks. 

Springston, who singled in a run in the 7th to cut GW's lead to 4-2, finished 2-4 with a pair of RBI. Melone and Ravert also had a pair of hits, including a double for Ravert. 

Collin McGowan scored on a GW error in the 2nd to get La Salle out to a 1-0 lead in support of Ravert, who started the game on the mound. The righty went six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks while fanning four. 

CJ Pruitt tossed two scoreless innings in relief to keep the Blue and Gold within striking distance. The freshman retired the Colonials in order in both the 7th and 8th inning. 

La Salle will take on the Colonials in game two on Saturday afternoon at GW's Tucker Field. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.