CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – McNeese used a decisive late-inning offensive push to defeat Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 9–4, Friday night at Chapman Field to open the Southland Conference series.
With the win, the Cowboys improve to 21–17 overall and 10–9 in league play, while the Islanders fall to 16–21 overall and 5–13 in conference action. The series continues Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. following a schedule adjustment due to inclement weather. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
McNeese struck first in the top of the third inning when Danny Barbero launched his sixth home run of the season to deep center field, driving in two runs to give the Cowboys an early 2–0 lead.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi answered in the bottom half of the inning as Jarrett Flaggert delivered a two-RBI double to left center, evening the score at 2–2. The Islanders then took their first lead of the night in the fifth inning on an RBI single by Flaggert that plated Matt Evans for a 3–2 advantage.
The Cowboys regained momentum in the sixth inning when DJ Pinkerton connected on a two-run home run to center field, putting McNeese back in front, 4–3. However, the Islanders responded once again in the bottom of the frame, as Christian Johnson-Smith doubled to right center to score Jake Barron and tie the game at 4–4.
McNeese seized control in the seventh inning and did not look back. Barbero came through with an RBI double to score Matt Stancliff from first base, giving the Cowboys a 5–4 lead. In the eighth, Pinkerton extended the advantage with a triple to right center that brought home Marcus Heusohn.
The Cowboys continued to add insurance runs in the inning as Easton Dowell reached on a fielder's choice to score Pinkerton, followed by an RBI single from Isaiah Keller that pushed the lead to 8–4.
Barbero capped the scoring in the ninth inning with his second RBI double of the game, driving in Stancliff to seal the 9–4 victory.
Out of the bullpen, Eric Nachtsheim (5–1) delivered a dominant performance, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out nine to earn the win.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi reliever Pierre-Luc Jacques (2–2) was charged with the loss after allowing four runs on five hits over two innings of work.
Up Next
Apr. 18 – at Texas A&M – Corpus Christi
Apr. 19 – at Texas A&M – Corpus Christi
Apr. 21 – vs Louisiana Tech
Denotes Conference Game
Indicates Home Game
