McNeese Baseball Opens 2026 Season at Home vs Sam Houston State

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - It's time to put the jerseys on for real this time.

McNeese baseball is set to open the 2026 season this weekend with a three-game home series against Sam Houston State. After weeks of practice and scrimmages, the Cowboys are ready to face someone other than themselves.

“I really enjoy the process of getting better, but the whole point of that is to go win baseball games, and we get to start doing that on Friday,” said head coach Justin Hill.

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McNeese brings back a strong group of hitters from last season. Shortstop Easton Dowell returns after a breakout year in 2025. Dowell led the team with a .369 batting average, hit seven home runs, and drove in 37 runs. He is the only four-year player on the roster this season and will once again be a key leader.

Outfielder Larry Edwards Jr. is also back for his senior year. Edwards hit .316 last season with 47 RBIs and 18 doubles. Coaches believe he could add speed on the bases this year after a strong summer.

The Cowboys also return first baseman Marcus Heusohn, who hit .327 with 32 RBIs in his first season at McNeese after transferring in. Simon Larranaga is back as well after leading the team with 12 home runs.

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While the offense looks solid, pitching is still the biggest question. The Cowboys have a large roster with 20 returning players and 21 newcomers, meaning many players are still learning their roles.

Left-hander Cooper Golden is the most experienced pitcher returning. Golden was named the Opening Night starter for Friday’s game against Sam Houston State. Last season, he made 14 starts, pitched 65 innings, and finished with a 4.71 ERA. He was one of the team’s most reliable arms late in the year.

"He’s pitched in big games, big moments, and big atmospheres—the moment won’t be too big for him," said Hill.

Beyond Golden, McNeese is expected to use many different pitchers throughout the weekend as the coaches continue to figure out the rotation. “We like our arms, but they’re not at full capacity yet. The goal is to get them to the end of the year healthy and effective," said Hill.

McNeese will begin the season Friday, February 13, at home against Sam Houston State, with first pitch set for opening night at Joe Miller Ballpark.