LAKE CHARLES, La. – A strong eighth inning kicked off by Easton Dowell's go-ahead run propelled McNeese's baseball program over Alcorn 9-7 Tuesday night at Joe Miller Ballpark. The Cowboys rise to 14-12, 1-2 SLC while the Braves fall to 2-19, 2-7 SWAC.
 
Heading into the eighth tied up at six a piece, the Cowboys took advantage of a costly error by the Braves to get a runner on second and score redshirt freshman Dowell for the one-run lead. Seniors Cooper Hext and Parker Stroh rounded the bases two at-bats later, sealing the victory for McNeese.
 
The Pokes scored one run in the first, three in the second, and one in each of the third and fourth innings. The three runs in the eighth were the final runs plated for the Cowboys.
 
JT Moeller threw a season-high seven strikeouts over four innings, another season best for the senior. His strong outing was highlighted by striking out the side in the sixth, one looking and two swinging.
 
"I thought JT Moeller was really good today," said head coach Justin Hill. "He gave us four shutout innings and getting Daelan Caraway out there again was a big deal."
 
Senior Brian Shadrick closed out the game with two outs to earn his first save of the season.
 
Five unique runners plated a run for the Cowboys with senior Parker Stroh paving the way with three runs. Dowell and Hext each plated two runs with senior Braden Duhon earning one. 
 
McNeese and Alcorn conclude the two-game meeting on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
 
Pitching Appearances
Ty Abraham: 2.0 IP, 3 K's, 6 H, 1 BB, 4 ER
JT Moeller: 4.0 IP, 7 K's, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 ER
Daelan Caraway: 2.0 IP, 0 K, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 ER, Win
Max Swenson: 0.1 IP, 1 K, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 ER
Brian Shadrick: 0.2 IP, 1 K, 1 H, 2 BB, 0 ER, Save
  
McNeese Notes
- Grant Mangrum earned his fifth multi-hit game of 2024.
- Easton Dowell extended his hitting streak to six games.
- Dowell earned his sixth multi-hit game.
- JT Moeller threw a season-high seven strikeouts.
- Moeller posted a season-high four innings of work.
- Five pitchers saw action on the mound.