Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns handed McNeese State their first loss in Lake Charles this year, defeating the Cowboys by the score of 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Junior right fielder Tyler Stover, fresh off a 3 hit performance in Sunday's win at Troy, drove in the first 2 runs of the game, cranking out a 2 run homer in the 2nd inning over the left field wall.

With a 2-0 lead early in the game, freshmen pitcher Jack Burke went 6 innings strong against one of the top offensive clubs in the nation, holding McNeese State to 1 unearned run on 2 hits.

"Jack pitched to the system tonight, and when you can pitch to the system it’s going to reward you,” head coach Tony Robichaux said after the win. “We came back and played well defensively for him after an error cost us a run."

Burke was replaced in the 7th by junior Evan Guillory who went 2 innings strong, striking out the side in the 8th.

Burke's performance could help the Cajuns win more than 1 game. Wednesday night in Hammond, Louisiana resumes their postponed game from February 20th against Southeastern in the bottom of the 11th inning tied at 4, before playing a regularly scheduled game after the duration of the first one. Burke's ability to go 6 strong helps keep the Cajun pen ready, willing and able tomorrow at SLU.

Robichaux stated several times earlier this season a need for more physicality in the batting lineup. Stover and catcher Handsome Monica have begun to show signs of the power Robe was hoping for.

Monica hit his first home run as a Cajun in the 7th inning tonight, knocking his solo shot over the left field wall at Joe Miller Ballpark. He finished the night with a pair of hits.

As a team, Louisiana knocked in 5 hits, while the Cowboys only mustered 2.

"A lot of times all it takes is one big hit to get someone started at the plate," said Robichaux. "It was good to see Tyler (Stover) and Handsome (Monica) drive the ball out of the park. Our hitters are learning how to fight and how to have some throw down with you.”

Reliever Dylan Moore came in in the 9th to seal the deal for the Cajuns, earning his 6th save of the season.

With the win, Louisiana improved their record to 14-9 on the season.

Tomorrow night's resumption in the top of the 11th against Southeastern begins at 5pm. If the game ends before 5:30, the regularly scheduled game versus SLU will start at 6. If the resumption goes past 5:30, first pitch of the next game will begin 30 minutes after the end of the first game.

Ragin' Cajun junior reliever Wyatt Marks is expected to be on the mound at the start of the resumed game.

 

 

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