After sweeping a three game series versus UTSA to begin conference play the Lions (13-7, 4-2) have dropped three of their last four games. Including a 7-3 loss to Tulane on the road and losing a series this past weekend to conference rival McNeese State Cowboys (12-8, 4-2) winning one of three. Friday dated the first game of the series, where the Cowboys took a 5-1 lead in the third inning. S

Senior first baseman Joe Sparacino gave the Lions a spark as he hit his first homerun of the season in the fourth inning cutting the deficit 5-2. The Lions would begin to rally back in the ninth as they added two runs making the game 8-4 with no outs as senior outfielder Cass Hargis hit a RBI single with bases loaded. The Cowboys would soon bring an end to the Lions rally as they went on to an 8-4 victory.

“Every game is huge in this conference. We won the first three and to come out after the first one 4-2 we’ll take it but we know we have room for improvement,” said Lions Head Coach Jay Artigues.  

The Lions returned to action the next day looking to even out the series but the Cowboys active bats would earn them a 9-4 victory over the Lions as they accumulated 18 hits from Lions pitchers, highlighted by Lee Orr who went 4-5 with a homer and three RBIs. This would clinch the series for the Cowboys with one day of action remaining.

Coming into Sunday, the final game of the series the Lions had nothing but pride to play for and that’s what they leaned on as they took an 8-4 victory to defeat the Cowboys in the series finale.

“We just had a lot more energy today. We kind of had our backs against the wall and when that happens to us we like to fight,” said pitcher Tyler Watkins. The Lions got out to a quick start offensively, scoring five runs in the first three innings. The energy transferred to the defensive side as they held the Cowboys to just one run in those five innings. Senior pitcher Tyler Watkins led the way as he pitched just over 7 innings claiming his fourth win of the season from the mound.

“Tyler Watkins came out here and did a great job on the mound,” said Artigues. “He was definitely the difference game.”

The Lions would go on to victory earning their fourth win in conference play.

“Every game is huge in this conference. We won the first three and to come out after the first one 4-2 we’ll take it but we know we have room for improvement,” said Lions Head Coach Jay Artigues.

The Lions return to action Tuesday. March 22 at 6 p.m. home at Pat Kenelley Diamond at Alumni Field to take on the UNO Privateers.

– Graylin Johnson contributed to this story.