PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle Baseball team defeated the Penn Quakers in the 2017 Liberty Bell Classic Championship game at Citizens Bank Park, 2-1. First baseman Ben Faso's eighth inning two-run home run to left field along with starting pitcher Matt Holt's performance on the mound lifted the Explorers to the win.

The win was La Salle's first Liberty Bell Classic championship since 2006.

"It was a well-played game by both teams," said Head Coach Mike Lake. "Holt put us on his back and carried us like a seasoned veteran even though he's a freshman. Great game by Austin Constantini and quality at bat by Kevin McGowan to start the eighth."

Faso's long ball was his fifth of the season. it scored Kevin McGowan who reached base leading off the inning with a walk in the previous at bat.

"It was a tremendous shot," Lake said. "Great team victory."

Both teams' offenses were quiet for much of the game with both starting pitchers mostly cruising through their outings.

Holt drew the start after helping the Explorers to wins in each of the first two Liberty Bell Classic games this season. Holt was able to keep pace, throwing seven innings and striking out seven in the process. He didn't walk any and allowed just one earned run.

Constantini, who led off, was 2-for-4. Freshman Zach Wright had the team's other extra base hit, a double, and finished 1-for-3 with a walk.

The Explorers are back in action this weekend when they host UMass in an Atlantic 10 series starting on Friday at 3:00 PM and continuing through the weekend.