NOTES
NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers will dive back into conference play this weekend when they host the McNeese Cowboys with a three-game series scheduled to begin on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Maestri Field.
STARTERS
FRIDAY: UNO-LHP
Colton Mercer vs. MCN-RHP-Cameron LeJeune
SATURDAY: UNO-RHP
Grant Edwards vs. MCN-RHP Zach Voss
SUNDAY: UNO-RHP
Bryce Calloway vs. MCN-LHP Alexis Gravel
The Privateers are coming off a hard-fought game that they wound up on the short end of in a 6-3 loss against LSU.
Mitchell Sanford and
Diego Villescas both hit home runs but the Tigers rallied for four runs between the fifth and sixth inning which was the difference on the night.
Victor Castillo and
Miguel Useche have been getting on base in more than half their plate appearances. Castillo has an OBP of .550 which as of Wednesday is eighth in the country. Useche has a 26-game on base streak and he's collected a hit in 22 of those 26 games.
Diego Villescas has nine multi-hit games since Mar. 15. In that span, he has raised his batting average from .206 to .327. In his last 26 at-bats, Villescas has only struck out three times.
Colton Mercer has lowered his ERA significantly over his last five starts. In 31.1 innings pitched over his last five outings, Mercer has lowered his ERA from 7.79 to 3.28. He currently rank fourth in the Southland among all qualified starters in ERA. He also ranks fourth in the SLC in strikeouts with 53.
The Privateers have played 23 of their 36 games at home to date. New Orleans is 16-7 at Maestri Field. They have scored 10 or more runs 13 times at home this year.
McNeese took the series against the Privateers last season 2-1 in Lake Charles. The Cowboys have a 38-28-1 advantage in the all-time series against New Orleans heading into the weekend.
ABOUT THE OPPONENT
McNeese broke a six-game losing streak when they defeated Sam Houston 5-4 on Tuesday night. The Cowboys held the Bearkats scoreless over the last three innings to secure the victory. Brock Barthelemy picked up his second save.
Connor Westenburg is the Cowboys' leading hitter with a .309 batting average, 13 doubles, five homers and 28 RBI. Cooper Hext is tied for the Southland lead in triples (5) and stolen bases (14) entering the weekend.
WE ARE YOUR KREWE
For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation's biggest celebration each year. And much like a Mardi Gras parade krewe, we are tethered to our community through pride, tradition, a culture of acceptance, and finally our commitment to show that New Orleans is a world-class city to live, learn, play and work. We invite you to become more involved with the only University that truly represents New Orleans all day, every day. Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe!
Visit UNOPrivateers.com/signup to stay connected and follow us @UNOPrivateers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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