LAKE CHARLES – Miami (OH) University scored nine runs in the first two innings including eight in the second and the Redhawks went on to defeat McNeese 14-8 on Wednesday night in the first game of a three-game series.
 
McNeese fell to 32-20 on the season while Miami improved to 20-34. The series will continue on Thursday with a 6 p.m. start.
 
The Cowboys finished the night with 10 hits, led by a 2-for-3 night by Tré Obregon III and Chase Keeton going 2-for-5. Braley Hollins, who recently returned to the lineup after missing much of the season with an injury, hit his second home run of the year.
 
Miami was led at the plate by Benji Brokemond's 4-for-5 showing to go along with three RBIs and four runs scored. The Redhawks finished with 16 hits in the game.
 
Cowboy starting pitcher Burrell Jones (4-4) took the loss after he allowed eight runs in 1.2 innings. MU's Nick Vardavas (3-2) picked up the win in relief work while Martin Sosna notched his first save after throwing the final three innings.