Cowboys host slugging UIW in critical Southland series

McNeese State looks to bounce back after losing last two games against New Orleans

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:52am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a college baseball game, with sharp planes of color representing the players, field, and stadium environment.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes Southland Conference baseball matchup between McNeese State and Incarnate Word.Lake Charles Today

The McNeese State Cowboys baseball team is set to host the Incarnate Word Cardinals in a critical three-game Southland Conference series this weekend. The Cowboys are 17-16 overall and 7-8 in conference play, while the Cardinals are 16-17 and 7-11. McNeese is looking to rebound after dropping the last two games of a series against New Orleans last weekend, while UIW brings a potent offense that leads the league in hitting, home runs, and runs scored.

Why it matters

This series is crucial for both teams as they look to improve their positioning for the Southland Conference tournament. The Cowboys are hoping to make a late-season push, while the Cardinals are trying to climb the standings with their powerful lineup.

The details

McNeese will start left-hander Cooper Golden in the series opener, as he is 2-3 with a 4.47 ERA in nine starts this season. The Cowboys' pitching staff has been solid overall, ranking second in the league with a 4.72 ERA. Ace Eric Nachtsheim, who has a 3.28 ERA, is expected to move back to the bullpen after starting earlier in the year. On offense, DJ Pinkerton brings a hot bat into the series, riding a six-game hitting streak. For UIW, Cris Enriquez leads the team with a .341 batting average, while Cole Tabor paces the league with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs.

  • The three-game series begins on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 6 p.m. in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
  • The Cowboys are coming off a 4-1 win over Grambling on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Justin Hill

The head coach of the McNeese State Cowboys baseball team.

Eric Nachtsheim

The Cowboys' top pitcher, with a 3.28 ERA and 4-1 record in five starts this season.

Cooper Golden

The left-handed starting pitcher for McNeese State, who is 2-3 with a 4.47 ERA in nine starts.

DJ Pinkerton

The Cowboys' hot-hitting outfielder, who brings a six-game hitting streak into the series.

Cris Enriquez

The Incarnate Word Cardinals' leading hitter, batting .341 on the season.

Cole Tabor

The Cardinals' power-hitting first baseman, who leads the Southland Conference with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs.

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What they’re saying

“We have to play better baseball all around. I think we can do it and make a run here toward the tournament.”

— Justin Hill, McNeese State Head Coach

“We feel we need him more in the back end of games. He has been very good for us.”

— Justin Hill, McNeese State Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of this series will gain valuable ground in the Southland Conference standings as the regular season winds down. The teams will meet again in a rematch on April 24-26 in San Antonio.

The takeaway

This key Southland Conference series between the Cowboys and Cardinals will have major implications for both teams' postseason aspirations. McNeese State is looking to make a late-season push, while Incarnate Word brings a potent offense that will test the Cowboys' pitching staff.