PHILADELPHIA – La Salle scored twice in the 7th inning but it wasn't enough to recover from an early deficit in a 4-2 loss to the Delaware Blue Hens on Tuesday afternoon at Hank DeVincent Field. 

The Blue Hens scored four runs over the first two frames against La Salle righty Mike Anthony (L, 1-3), who struck out four but allowed five hits and three walks in four innings. CJ Pruitt and Ryan Wanner combined for five scoreless innings in relief as the Explorers tried to fight their way back. 

Mike Manoogian singled up the middle with one out in the 7th and quickly moved to third on a Joey Ravert double. Manoogian scored on a passed ball to get La Salle on the board and Chase Arnold made it a two-run game with a double to plate Ravert. 

Kevin McGowan worked a pinch-hit walk to start the 8th before Delaware's Burk Fitzpatrick (S, 1) retired the next six La Salle hitters in order to end the game. Dan Belfer (W, 1-0) earned the win with two scoreless innings in relief of starter Matt Hornich, who pitched four shutout innings but allowed a hit and five walks. 

The Explorers are back in action on Wednesday as they visit Delaware State for a 3 p.m. first pitch from Soldier Field. La Salle topped the Hornets 6-5 at home on March 23.