PHILADELPHIA – The VCU Rams took a 4-1 decision from the La Salle baseball team in the series opener on Friday afternoon at Hank DeVincent Field despite an early lead for the Explorers. 

Collin McGowan worked a leadoff walk in the 1st and eventually scored on a wild pitch to give La Salle a 1-0 advantage. The senior stole second, drawing an errant throw from VCU catcher Walker Haymaker that allowed him to move to third. 

The Rams scored three runs on four hits against Joey Ravert (L, 3-4) in the 5th before adding an insurance run against Billy Worswick in the 7th. The visitors had 10 hits on the afternoon. 

Chase Arnold and Kevin McGowan had back-to-back singles with two outs in the 7th but the Explorers couldn't come up with the timely hit. 

VCU starter Sean Thompson (W, 6-1) allowed just one run (unearned) on two hits and two walks in seven innings. The righty fanned seven before Sam Donko (S, 13) hurled two perfect innings to earn the save. 

The two teams are back at it on Saturday afternoon for game two. First pitch from Hank DeVincent Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.