LAKE CHARLES, La. – With the start of the 2022 season just three weeks away, McNeese baseball will hold three intrasquad scrimmages this weekend that are open to the public.

Justin Hill and Co. will play Friday at 2:30 p.m. which leads into the "Diamond Dinner" at 6, Saturday at 1 p.m. (Alumni Game), and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Joe Miller Ballpark.
 
The Pokes are coming off a historic season that saw the McNeese claim the Southland Conference Tournament Championship leading to a second straight NCAA Regional appearance.

The Cowboys return a solid nucleus from that team, returning 26 lettermen while adding 11 transfers and four freshman.

Notable returnees include all-conference DH senior Tre Obregon and OF junior Payton Harden who both hit .321 last season. The Pokes veteran core remains strong with senior shortshop Reid Bourque, and senior outfielder Julian Gonzales who have combined to play over 300 games in the blue and gold. 

Despite losing ace Will Dion who was selected in the 9th round of the MLB Draft by the Cleveland Guardians, the Cowboy's return a plethora of starting pitching. Sophomore Ty Abraham, junior Bryson Hudgens, and junior Christian Vega combined to make 30 starts last season and are expected to have a large impact on the mound. The bullpen features senior closer Cameron Foster and sophomore Isaac Duplechain, they made a team-leading 22 and 23 appearances last season, respectively.

The Cowboys are scheduled to play a program-high 36 homes game inside Joe Miller Ballpark, a few marquee match-ups include LSU, Stony Brook, La. Tech, UL-Lafayette. McNeese opens the season Feb. 18 at home against Stony Brook. 

Baseball alumni wishing to participate in the alumni game are asked to RSVP through assistant coach Jimmy Ricklefsen at jricklefsen@mcneese.edu. BP will begin at 11:15 and end at 12:30 on Saturday.

As aforementioned, admission to all scrimmage are is free. Attendees are asked to please refrain from using the playground as it is off-limits due to the on-going construction.

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