McNeese defeated Lamar 3–1 in the opening game of the Battle of the Border baseball series on March 13, improving its overall record to 9–8 and conference record to 4–3. The game took place in Beaumont, Texas, with Lamar now standing at 10–8 overall and also 4–3 in league play.
The result is significant as both teams are closely matched in conference standings, making each win important for postseason positioning. The next game in the series is scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Friday’s contest was marked by strong pitching performances from both starters. McNeese pitcher Cooper Golden threw for six and two-thirds innings, allowing only one run on four hits while striking out five batters. Lamar’s starter limited McNeese to just one hit over six innings, walking one and striking out five.
Lamar scored first in the bottom of the sixth inning when Hector Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly that brought AJ Taylor home. McNeese tied the score in the seventh after Larry Edwards Jr. doubled to left-center field, scoring Marcus Heusohn.
In the ninth inning, McNeese took control with bases loaded as Bryce Fontenot was hit by a pitch, allowing Matt Stancliff to score. Connor Schneider then reached on a fielder’s choice that brought Danny Barbero home for an insurance run. Jake Blackwell earned his second win of the season after pitching one inning in relief, while Brady Corcoran recorded his second save by striking out two batters to close out the game.
Looking ahead, McNeese will continue its series against Lamar before returning home for several games including matchups against Prairie View A&M and Southeastern.
