Keller blast saves day for McNeese

Isaiah Keller's 3-run homer in the bottom of the ninth lifts Cowboys to 8-6 victory over Incarnate Word

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of bright red, blue, and gold colors representing the uniforms of the competing teams.McNeese's dramatic comeback victory over Incarnate Word showcases the team's resilience and ability to win close conference games.Lake Charles Today

In a wild finish, McNeese baseball rallied for five runs in the final two innings, capped by Isaiah Keller's 3-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, to defeat Incarnate Word 8-6 and win the Southland Conference series. The Cowboys improved to 19-17 overall and 9-9 in the league, while UIW fell to 17-19, 8-13.

Why it matters

The comeback victory keeps McNeese in the hunt for a Southland Conference tournament berth, as the Cowboys look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The dramatic finish also showcases the team's resilience and ability to rally late in games.

The details

Trailing 6-3 entering the bottom of the eighth, the Cowboys scored twice to cut the deficit to 6-5. In the ninth, Matt Stancliff singled and Danny Barbaro was hit by a pitch to set the stage for Keller, who blasted a line drive home run down the left field line to give McNeese the 8-6 win. UIW closer Chase Blease took the loss, while Jake Blackwell (4-0) picked up the victory for the Cowboys.

  • Stancliff's solo home run in the first inning gave McNeese an early 1-0 lead.
  • UIW scored five runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by Colin Cymbalista's 3-run homer, to take a 6-3 lead.
  • Hayden Stringfellow hit a 2-run homer in the eighth to make it 6-5 and set up the dramatic ninth inning.

The players

Justin Hill

The head coach of the McNeese baseball team, who guided his squad to the comeback victory.

Isaiah Keller

The McNeese player who hit the game-winning 3-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Matt Stancliff

The McNeese player who went 3-for-5 at the plate, including a solo home run in the first inning to open the scoring.

Chase Blease

The Incarnate Word closer who took the loss after giving up the game-winning home run in the ninth inning.

Colin Cymbalista

The Incarnate Word player who hit a 3-run homer in the fifth inning to give his team a 6-3 lead.

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What they’re saying

“That was kooky. Right now I'll take kooky.”

— Justin Hill, McNeese head coach

“I knew it would go out, I didn't know if it would be fair.”

— Isaiah Keller

“I am really happy for him. Nobody is a nicer kid who has kept a great attitude.”

— Justin Hill, McNeese head coach

What’s next

McNeese will look to carry the momentum from this comeback win into their next game against Grambling on Tuesday, which they previously defeated 4-1 last week.

The takeaway

This thrilling victory showcases the resilience and never-say-die attitude of the McNeese baseball team, as they rallied late to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against a conference rival. The Cowboys' ability to fight back and win close games like this will be crucial as they push for a Southland Conference tournament berth in the final stretch of the season.