BATON ROUGE, La. (Interstat) — McNeese State built a large early lead and withstood a late rally to upset sixth-ranked LSU 7-6 on Tuesday night at Alex Box Stadium.

The Cowboys scored six runs in the second inning and another in the fourth to seize a 7-2 advantage. LSU chipped away, closing to 7-6 on Pearson’s eighth-inning solo homer, but could not complete the comeback.

McNeese State reliever Jairus Miller earned the win with three perfect innings and five strikeouts. LSU starter Reagan Ricken took the loss. Zach Yorke hit a two-run homer in the first for the Tigers.

McNeese State improved to 3-5. LSU, which entered with an eight-game win streak, fell to 8-1.