LAKE CHARLES, La. _ A ninth-inning rally fell just short for the University of Central Arkansas Bears on Sunday as the McNeese State Cowboys held on for a 6-5 victory in Southland Conference baseball action at Cowboy Diamond.

The Bears (8-9, 3-3) were behind 6-2 going into the ninth inning but junior Logan Moon hit a three-run home run that scored Garrett Vail and Kraig Kelley and closed the gap to 6-5.

McNeese reliever Tyler Erickson came on an walked Forrestt Allday before he was replaced by Ryan Sampere. He walked pinch hitter Garrett Brown before getting the final two outs on a fielder's choice and a fly out to end the game.

UCA went ahead 2-0 in the third inning when Blake Roberts led off with a walk and advanced on a fielder's choice. Allday drew another walk before sophomore Jonathan Davis hit a two-run double down the left-field line.

The Cowboys (7-11, 4-2) chipped away with a run in the fourth, two more in the fifth, a single run in the sixth and two in the seventh to take their 6-2 lead.

UCA starter Ryan Angus recorded seven strikeouts in 5.1 innings. Five Cowboy pitchers scattered eight hits, with Tyler McDonald getting the victory with 3.2 innings of relief.

For the Bears, senior first baseman Bryan Willson was the only player with multiple hits, going 2 for 5. Logan Moon had a career-high 3 RBI.

UCA plays at Oklahoma State at 4 p.m. Tuesday in Stillwater, Okla.