LAKE CHARLES, La. (Interstat) — The McNeese State Cowboys look to get back to .500 in non-conference play when they host the struggling Southern Jaguars in a midweek baseball matchup Tuesday at Sudduth Coliseum.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 80 degrees.

The Cowboys (11-11) enter having dropped two of three to Southeastern Louisiana over the weekend, including a 13-8 loss Sunday. McNeese State’s offense has shown potency, averaging 8.5 runs over its last six games. Catcher Connor Walker is a key bat, coming off a Sunday performance where he went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs.

Southern (5-15) seeks to halt a four-game skid after being swept at Alabama State. The Jaguars’ pitching staff has been taxed, allowing 8.3 runs per game during the losing streak.

A player to watch for Southern is right-hander Quincy Thornton, who delivered a strong relief outing last Sunday. Thornton pitched six hitless innings, allowing three earned runs with five strikeouts against Alabama State. His role for Tuesday is undetermined.

The Cowboys won the previous meeting this season, 14-5 at Southern on March 3. According to Interstat’s game simulator, McNeese State is projected to win again, 5-2.

Following this game, McNeese State opens a Southland Conference series at home against Abilene Christian on Friday. Southern returns home to begin a SWAC series against Prairie View on Friday.

Probable Starters: Southern: TBA. McNeese State: TBA.