The Cowboys, coming off a rare weekend off and playing just one game in nine games, return to Southland Conference play this weekend.

McNeese State (20-5, 8-4) in Southland Conference) hosts New Orleans in a three-game series starting Friday night at Joe Miller Ballpark. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m.

Despite not having played much recently, the Cowboys come into the game rolling. They have won five straight after thumping Alcorn 21-3 Tuesday night. 

They have scored 67 runs over their last five games, with the last three ending early by way of the run rule. Their 21 runs against the Braves is the most McNeese has scored this season.

“The biggest thing was that we had the weekend off and didn’t know what to expect,” said McNeese head coach Justin Hill. “I knew we would play hard. I thought the guys did a good job handling their business.”

McNeese is in fifth place in the top-heavy Southland despite only having four losses. The Privateers come in 15-12, 7-8.

The Cowboys say they are focusing on themselves as they get back into league play.

“We want to stay on us, know what we can do, and not worry about anybody else,” said outfielder Larry Edwards. “I think we are in a really good spot.”

Edwards had three hits, scored four runs, and drove in five in the victory over Alcorn. Conner Westenburg scored five runs, and both he and Edwards had three hits.

New Orleans is second in the league in hitting (.312) and home runs (40). The wind is expected to blow out, making for an interesting weekend.

“The ballpark is going to play small this weekend, and that plays to their strengths,” said Hill. “We are going to have to play good baseball.”

Bryce Callaway leads the Privateer offense. He is fourth in the league, hitting at .387, one spot behind McNeese’s Easton Dowell (.417).

Callaway is tied for second in home runs in the league at 10, one behind the leader.

McNeese will throw left-hander Cooper Golden in the opener against UNO’s Grant Edwards. Golden is 1-2 with a 5.22 earned run average, while Edwards, who was named SLC Pitcher of the Week Monday, is also 1-2 with a 3.55 ERA.

On Saturday, Alexis Gravel (3-1, 3.03), another lefty, will start for McNeese, while UNO will throw Skylar Jones (3-1, 5.73). 

“They are a very talented team, especially on offense,” said Hill. “They always seem to play us tough and get good a-bats.”