Box Score UNO-MSU Box Score

NEW ORLEANS – McNeese State held the University of New Orleans to five hits in a 7-2 victory on Tuesday night at Maestri Field.

UNO (12-19) avoided the shutout with two runs in the ninth after being held off the scoreboard for the game's first eight innings. The first four pitchers for MSU (13-18) kept the Privateers to just three hits over the first eight innings.

Jason Gibson (1-1) led off the pre-determined pitching efforts for the Cowboys, allowing a single hit while striking out four during three innings. Coby Miller followed with three no-hit innings before Ryan Sampere and Trey McGee threw an inning apiece to keep UNO off the scoreboard.

Held without a hit for the first two innings, the Cowboys strung together consecutive hits and took advantage of a two-base error to plate a run in the third.

MSU's lead grew to 3-0 in the fifth when Renny Weber hit a two-run blast over the right field wall.  The hit was part of a 2-for-4 effort with three RBIs for the third baseman.

The Cowboys continued their mid-game success with four stolen bases and four hits in a three-run sixth which extended the guests' lead to 6-0. The six runs – five earned - were scored against Privateer starter Cory Hoffman (2-2), Hoffman yielded eight hits while striking out three.

Head coach Bruce Peddie turned to relief pitchers Joshua Fountain, Casey Kelton and Nathan Rome for an inning apiece. The pitchers – all making their second career appearance – answered the call by not allowing an earned run during their stint.

MSU's last run came in the ninth in an unearned fashion following a Privateer error.

Jonathan Coco was the lone member of the UNO roster to reach base during the first six innings. Coco reached in the third inning on a single before walking in the fifth, part of a 2-for-3 effort by the first baseman.

The Privateers' offense picked up in the seventh as Clint Coleman and Beau Boudreaux put together back-to-back singles in the frame. Coco and Boudreaux had their second hits of the evening in the ninth as UNO plated a pair of runs.

Next for the Privateers is a 10-game road swing beginning Wednesday at 4 p.m. against William Carey. Live stats of the contest will be available at CareyAthletics.com.