LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana – The Huskies fell to the Cowboys, 2-6, in the series opener at Joe Miller Ballpark on Friday.
After allowing five runs in the first three innings, HCU tried to spark a comeback starting in the top of the fifth inning when
William Jewell hit a lead-off single to right center on the second pitch of the top of the frame. A hit and run opportunity arose for head coach,
Lance Berkman, on a 2-2 pitch to
Katcher Halligan that fired a line drive to left field allowing Jewell to clear the bases and get the Huskies on the board. HCU continued to narrow the deficit when Benjamin hit a solo-shot to right field in the top of the sixth inning to get the Huskies within three runs at 2-5. McNeese closed out the game adding a run in the bottom of the frame and took the series opener, 6-2.
The Huskies (15-29, 6-13 SLC) were led by six of the starting lineup each tallying a hit. Benjamin extended his lead in conference home runs going 1-for-4 with a homer.
Trent Baker,
Trevor Roper, and Jewell each went 1-for-4 while Jewell scored a run.
Luke Bard and Halligan went 1-for-3 and Halligan notched an RBI.
Parker Edwards (4-5) was tagged with the loss pitching 2.2 innings to start the game, allowing five earned runs on five hits with a pair of walks and strikeouts.
Baylor Baumann relieved Edwards for 2.2 frames giving up one earned run on two hits with two walks and fanning three batters.
Brock Shoffner also tossed 2.2 scoreless innings of relief allowing one hit with a walk and a strikeout.
McNeese (26-22, 9-10 SLC) was led by Braden Duhon going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Chase Keeton and Peyton LeJeune each went 1-for-4 with a double while Keeton scored a run while LeJeune tallied an RBI. Simon Larranaga and Cooper Hext each went 1-for-3 and scored a run. Zach Voss (1-4) earned his first win this season tossing 89 pitched through eight innings to start the game. Voss allowed two earned runs on six hits with no walks and a pair of strikeouts. Cameron LeJeune pitched a shutout final frame for the Cowboys with two strikeouts. McNeese held the Huskies to six hits with no walks while throwing just 101 total pitches.
The three-game series will conclude with a double-header on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. Live stats are available at HCUHuskies.com!
