Baseball | February 17, 2020

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - La Salle baseball freshmen Gabe Rappa and David Smith were recognized on Monday following their efforts during the Explorers' opening series at Furman over the weekend. Rappa was named Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week, while Smith landed Player of the Week honors from the Philadelphia Baseball Review.

Rappa led the Explorers to victory at Furman on Saturday with a stellar start  on the mound in his La Salle debut. The freshman left-hander got the win after scattering one earned run and five hits while striking out five over the first six innings of his career. After the first inning, Rappa didn't allow a single run and gave up only three hits.

Smith started his collegiate career off with a hit, an RBI and a run in each of his first three games for the Explorers over the weekend. The rookie infielder hit .455 with four RBI, four runs and two stolen bases in the series. In Saturday's win at Furman, Smith went 3-for-4 while scoring two runs, driving in a run and swiping a bag.

The Explorers will host its home-opening series this weekend, starting with a doubleheader against Hofstra on Saturday. First pitch of game one is set for 10:30 a.m.