GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State dropped a 4-1 decision to McNeese State on Tuesday night at Wilbert Ellis Field, as the Tigers were unable to cash in on late opportunities in a game defined by strong pitching and one decisive inning. GSU fell to 11-20 overall, while McNeese improved to 17-13.

The teams traded scoreless frames through the first four innings before the Cowboys broke through with a three-run fifth. After a hit-by-pitch and a single put two runners aboard, McNeese loaded the bases with one out. Marcus Heusohn lifted a sacrifice fly to left to plate the first run, and Hayden Stringfellow followed with a two-run single to right, giving the Cowboys a 3-0 lead.

Grambling State created its best scoring chance in the eighth. Hasani Johnson singled to left and stole second to spark the inning. Following a walk to Trey Bridges and a single by Charles Ashe III, the Tigers loaded the bases with one out. Aidan Lopez was hit by a pitch to bring home Johnson and trim the deficit to 3-1, but back-to-back strikeouts halted the rally.

McNeese added an insurance run in the ninth on a sacrifice fly by Connor Walker.

Lopez finished 2-for-3 with Grambling's lone RBI, while Johnson went 1-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base. Ashe reached base twice with a single and a walk. The Tigers also received solid bullpen performances from Payton Allen, who worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings, and Trenton Shaw, who struck out three over 2 1/3 innings of relief.

Grambling State totaled five hits but struck out 15 times and left nine runners on base.

UP NEXT
Grambling State gears up for a home weekend series versus Southern that begins on Friday night. First pitch for the series is set for 6 p.m. at Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park. 

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