For the 11th time in 19 games, La Salle scored first, bringing in the game's opening run in the top of the second inning.
Ahead 6-4 entering the bottom of the sixth, the Explorers surrendered seven runs over the next two frames in the defeat.
Matt Holt started on the mound for La Salle, allowing four runs over 4 2/3 innings with three strikeouts. James Kelly drew the loss after taking over in relief in the fifth inning, surrendering three runs on two hits and a pair of walks.
Dylan Evans collected a pair of hits for the Explorers in the losing effort.
The two teams will meet again on Saturday with first pitch set for 1 p.m.
St. Louis 4, Saint Joseph's 1
Tim Brennan tossed seven innings for the Hawks, surrendering three earned runs on nine hits in a 4-1 loss to St. Louis.
Brennan was solid throughout the first five innings but ran into some trouble in the sixth when he surrendered a pair of two-out singles with both runners ultimately crossing the plate to give the Billikens a two-run advantage.
Charlie Concannon led the Hawks offense with a pair of hits and Marc Giacalone drove in the lone run with a double in the fourth inning.
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