McNeese Dominates Dillard with a Decisive Victory at Joe Miller Ballpark
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dillard (LA)
|
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 2 |
|
McNeese State
|
1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 12 | X | 19 | 11 | 2 |
LAKE CHARLES, LA– In a standout performance at the Joe Miller Ballpark, McNeese State University (10-1) put on an offensive showcase to defeat Dillard University (9-9) with a final score of 19-6. The game, which lasted 2 hours and 49 minutes, was played under mostly sunny skies with an attendance of 856 fans.
McNeese quickly responded to Dillard's initial lead in the first inning, when Angel Polanco's double brought Jalen Ayers home. However, McNeese's Conner Westenburg hit a home run, leveling the score at 1-1. From there, McNeese steadily increased their lead, capitalizing on Dillard's pitching struggles and errors.
The second inning saw McNeese take advantage of a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly to bring the score to 3-1. Dillard responded in the third inning with Jaylen Mateo's RBI single, but McNeese widened the gap with a two-RBI double from Davis Meche and a sacrifice fly by Larry Edwards Jr., bringing the score to 6-2.
The turning point came in the sixth inning when McNeese unleashed a 12-run onslaught. Highlights included two-RBI contributions from Marcus Heusohn, Larry Edwards Jr., and Simon Larranaga, along with a three-RBI triple from Mack Brousseau. The inning left Dillard struggling at 19-6 and sealed McNeese's commanding victory.
McNeese's pitching staff was effective throughout, with Eric Nachtsheim earning the win by striking out three in his inning of work. Dillard's pitchers, however, faced difficulties, with Kejuan Burnett taking the loss after allowing seven runs over four innings.
Despite the loss, Dillard showed moments of strength, particularly in the sixth inning with a four-run rally, aided by key hits and McNeese errors. Derrald Moore Jr. led Dillard offensively with two hits and an RBI.
McNeese's victory highlighted their offensive depth and adaptability, as they took advantage of Dillard's pitching woes and fielding mistakes. The game demonstrated McNeese's readiness as they continue their strong season start, while Dillard will look to regroup and capitalize on their offensive potential in upcoming games.
The match was overseen by umpires James Savell, Brandon Castille, and Phillip Jean-Louis Jr., ensuring a smooth and fair contest.
-Bleu Devils-