Nate Simon's triple in the eighth inning was the decisive blow as Tulane University defeated in-state for McNeese State, 8-3, Tuesday evening at Zephyr Field before a crowd announed as 2,480. The win was the Green Wave's sixth in a row.
Tulane's record moves to 10-4 for the season, while McNeese slumps to 2-14.
Simon's performance, highlighted by the two-run triple and sterling defensive play, may have
solidified his grasp on the centerfield job.
Offensively Tulane was led by Simon, and also got two-hit performances from shortstop Cat Everett, second baseman Brad Emaus, and first baseman Tim Guidry.
Tulane pitchers Matt Goebel and Preston Claiborne combined to strikeout eleven Cowboys as the Green Wave out-hit the McNeese, 11-7.
Goebel, 2-0, a fifth-year senior who has spent most of the past three seasons recovering from
an arm injury, started and fanned eight in a five-inning effort to earn the win, his second of the season.
In his five innings of work, the righty allowed two runs on three hits and walked but one Cowboy.
Claiborne struck out three and did not allow an earned run over the final four innings to pick
up the first save of his career. The only run the freshman allowed was unearned, as Cowboy
Charlie Kingrey scored after moving into scoring position on a throwing error by shortstop
Cat Everett in the eighth. Kingrey eventually scored on a Deron Minor ground ball to second
base.
McNeese starter Kyle Bull, 0-1, got the loss after giving up three runs on two hits and five walks while striking out four in his two innings of work.
The Cowboys used four pitchers in the loss, each of them allowing at least one-run.
Tulane's homestand will continue, as the Green Wave will return to action on Wednesday,
March 7, when they play host to North Carolina-Asheville at 6:30 p.m. at Zephyr Field.
The Wave will host Loyola-Marymount for a three-game series over the weekend. The following
Tuesday, March 13th, the Greenies will battle cross-town rival UNO in the WOW Café & Wingery
Cup, before taking on Siena for a three-game weekend series beginning on Friday, March 16.