Taking the mound for the final time at Joe Miller Ballpark, Zach Voss wanted to make a good last impression.

The Cowboy right-hander did that and more Friday night.

Voss worked into the ninth as McNeese State started the final Southland Conference home series with a 6-2 victory over Houston Christian.

Voss allowed six hits and just two runs while not walking a batter to earn his first victory on his 11th start. The senior right-hander (1-4) gave the ball to closer Cameron LeJeune, who struck out two of the three Huskies he faced to secure the victory.

“Pretty special to do that,” said Voss. “I knew it was my last time pitching here. I wanted to make it special.”

The win cut the McNeese magic number to just two with five games remaining in the race to secure a spot in the SLC postseason tournament in two weeks in Hammond.

“The first thing you have to do is make the tournament,” said McNeese head coach Justin Hill. “Then you can think about seeding.”

The win was the sixth straight for the surging Cowboys, and the eighth in nine games. McNeese improved to 26-22, 9-10, and moved into a tie for fifth place with Incarnate Word. 

The Cowboys could clinch one of the eight spots as early as Saturday when they play two games against the Huskies.

The doubleheader is set for 2 p.m. with Daelan Caraway (2-3) taking the mound for McNeese while Rye Gunter (2-1) starting for HCU.

Voss’ efforts set McNeese up for Saturday, as the bullpen will be fully rested. 

“I wanted to put our bullpen in a good position,” said Voss. “We are playing good ball right now and we just want to finish strong.”

Playing their best ball of the season, McNeese scored a run in the first and second, and three more in the third to lead 5-0.

Braden Duhon was the only Cowboy to have two hits. He was also one of four Pokes to drive in a run.