PHILADELPHIA, Pa.— A late rally by the LIU Brooklyn baseball team fell short on Wednesday afternoon, falling to La Salle, 4-3 at DeVincent Field. Down three runs in the ninth inning, the Blackbirds scored two runs and had the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position but the Explorers secured a game-ending groundout to take the non-conference tilt.

LIU's offense was led by seniors Alex Briggs and Andrew Smith for the second straight game as the two recorded two hits each. Smith, a Pennsylvania native recorded a RBI single in the return to his home state. Senior Brock Hallum also recorded a RBI groundout for the Blackbirds.

The Explorers struck first with a four-run opening first inning, using five hits including a three-run home run to take the early lead.

Senior Zach Pederson settled in over the next four innings, surrendering just one hit and a walk while striking out four batters after five innings of work. He was equally matched by La Salle's starter Jackson Ray who surrendered just four hits through the first five innings.

The Blackbirds offense finally got to Ray in the sixth inning as Briggs registered the one-out double to left center field. Smith followed that up with the RBI single up the middle to score Briggs from second to get LIU on the board.

Both bullpens kept the game quiet through the next two and a half innings of play.

LIU looked to rally in the ninth inning, earning back-to-back singles by sophomore Colin Adams and senior Luiny Monegro to start the frame. A fielder's choice, nabbed the lead runner at third for the first out. Senior Joe Mercadante was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. A passed ball allowed Monegro to score and both runners advance to second and third. Junior Rob Griswold then worked a walk to load the bases yet again for the Blackbirds.

Hallum tallied the RBI groundout to second to cut the deficit to one as the tying and go-ahead run moved to second and third. La Salle recorded the groundout to shortstop for the final out to hang on to the victory.

Pederson suffered the loss for the Blackbirds, surrendering the four runs in the opening frame. He tied his season-high with six strikeouts on the afternoon. Freshman Chris Buehler pitched two scoreless innings of relief, surrendering just one hit while striking out two. Redshirt-sophomore Frank Cerillo and senior Jonathan Schreier combined to pitch a scoreless eighth inning.

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The Blackbirds are on the NEC bye weekend, they will continue non-conference play with a three-game series at SUNY Albany beginning Saturday, May 4 with a doubleheader beginning at noon.