LAKE CHARLES, La. – McNeese State scored four runs in the first inning and didn't look back in an 11-2 victory over Houston Baptist in the series opener Friday at Cowboy Diamond.

Senior first baseman Chase Hernandez doubled as he and sophomore centerfielder each went went 2-for-4. Junior third baseman Robbie Buller blasted his fifth home run of the season for the Huskies (0-10).

Jace Peterson went 3-for-6, drove in two runs and scored two runs. Lee Orr, Kyler Crenshaw, Taylor Drake, Renny Weber and Matt Williams each collected two hits for the Cowboys (5-6). Orr doubled and drove in a pair of runs, Drake scored two runs and Weber scored three runs.

Butler (2-0) earned the win for McNeese State, allowing two runs, one earned, on seven hits and striking out six in seven innings. Senior Stephen Nikonchik (0-1) took the loss, giving up eight runs, six earned, on nine hits in four innings, while freshman Kobie Hajdik allowed three runs on six hits and struck out four in four innings.