LAKE CHARLES — Despite having 10 players out due to the flu, the McNeese Cowboys bested their old Interstate 10 rival on a chilly Tuesday night at Joe Miller Ballpark. McNeese defeated the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns 3-0 to take the first of two games this season in a rivalry series that began in 1953.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After stranding a runner at second in the first, Louisiana had a good chance of plating a run in the second. Owen Galt drew a leadoff walk, then advanced to second with a sacrifice bunt, and reached third on a wild pitch. Jose Torres drew a two-out walk and then stole second base but Diego Corrales got Sam Ardoin to strike out swinging.
Louisiana’s JR Tollett came out on fire as he struck out the first three McNeese hitters he faced, all swinging.
McNeese threatened in the bottom of the second after Easton Dowell doubled through the right side which also advanced Davis Meche — who reached on a fielder’s choice — to third. Tollett got out of the jam as Meche attempted to steal home and was tagged out.
The Cowboys broke through in the third and did so with two outs.
Bryce Fontenot laced a single up the middle and then scored when Matt Stancliff hit a deep fly ball in foul territory in left field. Conor Higgs attempted to field it but dropped it which let Fontenot score. Mack Brosseau then drew a walk and Marcus Heusohn loaded the bases with an infield single.
Tollett was pulled and James Trimble got the Cajuns out of the jam by striking out Grant Mangrum.
Louisiana wasn’t as fortunate in the bottom of the fifth. Trimble gave up a one-out walk to Fontenot. Matt Deggs decided to pull Trimble for Parker Dillhoff. He came in and walked the next two batters to load the bases. Then Heusohn singled up the middle to plate two runs.
That was enough run support as McNeese held Louisiana’s lineup in check and off the scoreboard the rest of the game.
BIG NUMBER I: 16
The Cowboys struck out 16 Ragin’ Cajun hitters in Tuesday night’s game, with eight different pitchers recording at least one strikeout.
BIG NUMBER II & III: 80 & 50
With Tuesday’s victory, Justin Hill’s McNeese squad picked up its 80th win all-time against Louisiana and its 50th win at home. The Ragin’ Cajuns still lead the all-time series 106-80.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: MARCUS HEUSOHN
The McNeese first baseman came up big for the Cowboys at the plate as he went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs and drew one walk.
UP NEXT: Louisiana (4-4) returns to action on Wednesday when it welcomes Southeastern Louisiana to Russo Park. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. McNeese (6-1) will begin Southland Conference play on Friday when Nicholls comes to Joe Miller Ballpark for a three-game series. First pitch on Friday is set for 6 p.m.