Preview: Houston Christian Huskies at McNeese State Cowboys

LAKE CHARLES, La. (March 5, 2026) (Interstat) — The Houston Christian Huskies and McNeese State Cowboys, both seeking momentum in non-conference play, open a three-game series Friday at Sudduth Coliseum.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 74 degrees.

The Huskies (6-7) arrive after a 16-3 road loss to Texas on Tuesday. Despite the lopsided score, first baseman Katcher Halligan provided a bright spot, going 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. Halligan is hitting .500 (12-for-24) with two homers and 10 RBIs over his last eight games, anchoring the HCU lineup.

The Cowboys (6-6) are coming off a 14-5 victory at Southern, powered by a 4-for-5, three-RBI performance from center fielder DJ Pinkerton. Pinkerton’s breakout game boosted his average to .417, and he will be a key figure for a McNeese offense looking for consistency.

Both teams have experienced similar early-season fluctuations. HCU took two of three from Incarnate Word and swept Alcorn State before the Texas defeat. McNeese secured a series win at Nicholls State and a notable mid-week road victory at LSU on Feb. 24.

Statistical projections present a conflicting outlook. The Interstat game simulator predicts a 7-5 road win for Houston Christian. However, the service’s ELO rating system gives McNeese State a 69.4% probability of victory.

The series will continue Saturday at 2 p.m. and conclude Sunday at 1 p.m. at Sudduth Coliseum.