LAKE CHARLES, La. – In an offensive game at Joe Miller Ballpark, McNeese Baseball (13-12, 1-2 SLC) was edged out by Northwestern State (9-19, 3-3 SLC) 10-4 in the Saturday afternoon rubber match.
 
"I thought the starting pitching this weekend was good," said head coach Justin Hill. "The bullpen up to this point has looked really good. When you keep running those guys out, they're going to have some tough days."
 
Alexis Gravel, a junior, collected a career-high 10 strikeouts over five innings of work, only allowing one hit in the outing and three walks. His former career high in K's was eight set earlier this season.
 
After a scoreless first, both teams plated two runs in the second inning for a trend of twos. The Demons scored on a two-run bombe until McNeese responded in the latter half. Senior Braden Duhon plated the first run on an RBI single by Parker Stroh (senior), Easton Dowell, a redshirt freshman, tied up the ballgame during a rundown with Stroh at first.
 
After the Demons took a 3-2 lead in the sixth with the Pokes regaining a 4-3 lead on a two-run home run by redshirt senior Chase Keeton to round the bases and bring senior Elliot Hebert home.
 
Northwestern State plated one run in the seventh and four in the top of the eighth to take an 8-4 lead. They plated two runs in the top of the ninth.
 
The Cowboys are scheduled for two days rest before hosting Alcorn April 2-3 at The Jeaux.
 
Pitching Appearances
Alexis Gravel: 5.0 IP, 10 K's, 1H, 3 BB, 1 ER
JT Moeller: 1.1 IP, 1 K's, 4 H, 2 BB, 1 ER
Ty Abraham: 1.1 IP, 0 K's, 1 H, 2 BB, 4 ER
Kainin Morrow: 0.2 IP, 1 K, 3 H, 0 BB, 2 ER
Marcus Mott: 0.0 IP , 0 K, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 ER
Brian Shadrick: 0.2 IP, 1 K, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 ER
 
McNeese Notes
- First time since May 24, 2023, a pitcher has struck out 10 in a game.
- Seven unique hitters collected at least one hit on the day.
- Peyton LeJeune earned his fourth multi-hit game, third with three hits.
- Chase Keeton had his seventh multi-hit game.
- Elliot Hebert has moved his hitting streak up to eight.