Louisiana Tech Hosts First-Place Jacksonville State in Key C-USA Series

Pivotal conference matchup with major implications in the league race

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Louisiana Tech returns home this weekend to host Jacksonville State in a pivotal Conference USA baseball series. The Bulldogs are looking to regain momentum after a rollercoaster start to the 2026 season, while the first-place Gamecocks aim to continue their impressive run in league play.

Why it matters

This series has major implications in the Conference USA title race, with both teams looking to gain ground in the standings. Louisiana Tech is hoping to bounce back from a recent three-game skid, while Jacksonville State has been one of the top teams in the conference so far this season.

The details

The three-game series will take place at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park in Ruston, Louisiana. Louisiana Tech will start right-hander Declan Dahl on Friday, left-hander Hudson Rowan on Saturday, and a TBA pitcher on Sunday. Jacksonville State will counter with left-handers Eli Pillsbury, Beau Bryans, and Steven Cash. The Bulldogs will look to their offensive leaders Trey Hawsey and Brecken Menuet, while the Gamecocks are led by standout hitter Jaxon Pate and a strong pitching staff.

  • The series runs from March 27-29, 2026.
  • Game times are 6:00 p.m. on Friday, 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The players

Lane Burroughs

The head coach of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, in his 10th season with a record of 325-197.

Steve Beiser

The head coach of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, in his 3rd season with a record of 76-64.

Trey Hawsey

A slugger for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs who is riding a six-game hitting streak with 13 hits, 3 home runs, and 12 RBIs during that span.

Brecken Menuet

A junior shortstop for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs who has provided a spark in the lineup with 4 hits and a walk in his first two starts.

Jaxon Pate

The offensive catalyst for the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, hitting .418 and leading a lineup that's averaging 7.9 runs per game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This weekend's series between Louisiana Tech and Jacksonville State will be a pivotal matchup in the Conference USA title race, with both teams looking to gain ground in the standings. The Bulldogs are hoping to regain their early-season momentum, while the Gamecocks aim to continue their impressive start to league play.