LAKE CHARLES – McNeese starting pitcher Grant Rogers picked up the Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week honors following the first weekend of baseball action after his superb outing in Friday night's 1-0 win over Creighton.
 
The junior who is in his second season with McNeese and the reigning SLC Pitcher of the Year, threw six scoreless innings and allowed only two hits while striking out eight in the season opener. Only one batter got past first base on him and he faced just two batters over the minimum.
 
McNeese (1-2) will be back in action on Tuesday when it visits former Southland foe Sam Houston (2-1). The Bearkats opened the season winning two games over Rhode Island.
 
First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 and the game will broadcast on ESPN Plus.
 
Freshman right-handed pitcher Luke Steward is expected to get his first collegiate start on the mound for the Cowboys. Steward (0-1, 0.00 ERA) threw one inning against Creighton on Sunday.
 
The Bearkats will start junior lefty Gavi Coldiron who will making his season debut.
 
Offensively, the Cowboys led in hitting by second baseman Brad Burckel's .333 average. Burckel will enter Tuesday's game with a school-record tying 24-game hitting streak.
 
Senior centerfielder Payton Harden needs one hit to become McNeese's all-time hits leader at 255.
 
Following Tuesday's game, McNeese will play a three-game series at UT Arlington beginning Friday.