WASHINGTON – La Salle scored a run in the 9th and had the tying run on second base but couldn't find the equalizer in a 2-1 loss to George Washington at Tucker Field on Saturday afternoon. 

Ethan Springston got the Explorers on the board with a fielder's choice grounder in the 9th to score Collin McGowan and make it a one-run game. Justin Jacko was then hit by a pitch to move Springston, who represented the tying run, to second base.
 
Springston was then picked off by GW reliever Eddie Muhl (S, 7) to end the game. The righty was called upon to get the final three outs after Justin Friedman allowed a single to McGowan and walked Jared Melone to start the inning. 

GW starter Shane Sweeney (W, 2-1) blanked the Explorers for 6.2 innings, allowing just one hit and two walks. Friedman got the final out in the 7th and tossed a scoreless 8th before running into trouble in the 9th. 

Jordan Meyer (L, 2-3) took a tough-luck loss for the Explorers, scattering eight hits and a walk in the eight-inning complete game. 

Kevin Mahala provided all the offense GW needed, singling in two runs with the bases loaded and two outs in the 5th.  The junior finished 2-for-4 while Joey Bartosic also had a pair of hits for the Colonials.

La Salle will look to capture the series finale on Sunday afternoon at GW's Tucker Field. First pitch is set for 12 p.m.