HUNTSVILLE, Texas — A two-run homer from Sam Houston State in the fifth inning broke a 1-1 tie as the Bearkats posted a 5-2 victory Saturday and clinched the Southland Conference series over McNeese State.

The Bearkats (18-12, 6-2 SLC) go for the sweep of the Cowboys (17-12, 5-3) at 1 p.m. today.

Bearkats reliever Juan Cortina (1-0) picked up his first win of the season, coming in to pitch in the fifth inning and holding McNeese to one hit and no runs. McNeese starter Blake Ware (5-2) was charged with the loss after throwing 41⁄3 innings and allowing four earned runs on 10 hits.

Chayse Marion led the McNeese offense with two hits while designated hitter Michael Sullivan and Matt Williams each recorded an RBI.msu-logo-11-27-13