LAKE CHARLES - After opening the season taking two out of three against Stony Brook, the McNeese Cowboy (2-1) baseball team will play host to the Houston Cougars of the American Conference for a Tuesday night showdown in Lake Charles.
The Rundown
Opponent: Houston Cougars (0-3)
Date: February 22
Site: Lake Charles, La. | Joe Miller Ballpark
Time: 6 PM
Live Stats
Probable Pitching Matchup:
Zane Zeppuhar (0-0, 9.00) vs. Derrick Cherry (0-1, 9.00)
Series History:
Houston and McNeese are meeting for the 72nd time and first since March 19, 2019, in Lake Charles. Houston leads the all-time series, 52-19, however, McNeese has won the last three.
Last Time Out:
The Cowboys are coming off an opening weekend series win against Stony Brook. The Pokes won game one 6-4, lost game two 3-7, and won the finale 4-1. Third baseman Kade Morris lead the team in hitting over the weekend batting .500 (6-12). He hit the go-ahead three-run home run Friday night in the sixth inning to put the Pokes up 5-4. Friday night starter Bryson Hudgens who had been limited in the off-season gutted out 3.1 innings of two-run ball to keep the Pokes within striking distance. The bullpen pitched 5.2 innings of one-run ball and was able to fight their way out of jams as evidenced by the nine base-runners stranded by SBU for the game. Christian Vega earned the win pitching 2.2 innings of one-run ball in relief. The Pokes dropped game two despite Ty Abraham's solid day on the mound pitching to a tune of 5.0 innings with one earned run and five strikeouts. In the rubber match, JUCO transfer Grant Rogers was spectacular in his McNeese debut only being on the mound of 19 total minutes as he worked at his pace all day long. Rogers did not allow a base runner until the fourth inning and pitched six innings of two-hit ball with eight punch-outs. Right fielder Antonio Gauthier made a game-saving catch along the right-field line to help secure Cameron Foster's second save of the season. The pitching staff allowed just seven earned runs in 27.0 innings and held opponents to a .229 batting average.
Personnel:
The team enters the 2022 season with three preseason all-conference selections – redshirt junior outfielder Payton Harden, redshirt senior designated-hitter Tre' Obregon, and redshirt senior outfielder Julian Gonzales. Harden was also recognized as a top-150 outfielder in the nation by D1 Baseball. Returning starters also include redshirt senior shortstop Reid Bourque, redshirt senior third baseman/infielder Kade Morris, and redshirt junior first basemen/infielder Peyton Johnson made over 30 starts a season ago. Brad Burckel started all three games at second base, Schuyler Thibodaux got the start at catcher in two of the three as did Antonio Gauthier in right field.
Scouting The Cougars:
Houston is looking to bounce back after a tough weekend at the MLB4 Tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona. They dropped games to Cal, San Diego State, and #8 TCU. OF Samuel Benjamin led Houston in hitting over the weekend going 5-10 with a triple and an RBI. Houston batted .206 in their three games.
Up Next:
Friday - Alcorn 6 PM
Saturday - Alcorn (Doubleheader) 2 PM, Second Game 45 Mins After
Sunday - Alcorn - 1 PM
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