LAKE CHARLES, La. _ The McNeese State Cowboys got a complete game from starter Ethan Stremmel to beat the University of Central Arkansas Bears 5-3 on Saturday at Joe Miller Ballpark and even their Southland Conference series at 1-1.

    Stremmel (4-1) allowed just six hits and struck out seven. The Bears scored all three of their runs late, getting a single run in the seventh on senior Brandon Montalvo's solo home run, and plating two more in the eighth inning on fielder's choices by Montalvo and senior Chris Townsend.

    UCA (24-24, 13-13) fell behind 2-0 in the first inning as MSU's Matt Gallier had a two-run single to right center off Bears' starter Connor Gilmore. The Cowboys added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. In the top of the seventh, UCA finally got to Stremmel when Montalvo led off the inning with a home run to left field. Senior Matt Anderson followed with a base hit but Stremmel got three consecutive outs to end the threat.

    The Bears got their two runs in the eighth inning with just one hit. Ty Tice led off with a walk and Tyler Langley reached on an error. Brooks Balisterri singled to load the bases before consecutive fielder's choice ground balls to third base scored Tice and Langley to cut the deficit to 5-3.

    Stremmel, who threw 121 pitches, sat the Bears down in order in the ninth. McNeese had 11 hits, led by Gallier and Lewis Guilbeau with four each. Gallier had 4 of MSU's 5 RBI.

    Montalvo finished 1 for 4 with 2 RBI, while Balisterri and Anderson both went 2 for 4. Gilmore (2-8) took the loss for UCA, with Derek Beier and Connor McClain combining for 1 2/3 scoreless innings down the stretch.
    
    The series finale is set for 1 p.m. Sunday.