Gumbeaux Gators Clinch Playoff Spot, Offer Free Admission Tuesday
Lake Charles, Louisiana - For just the second time in the organization's history, the Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators are playoff-bound.
Sunday night, the Gators secured their 2nd Half Championship in walk-off fashion with a win over Abilene on Sunday night.
Trailing 4-3 entering the bottom of the ninth, the Gators scored two runs to complete the comeback. Gavin Gary scored the tying run on an error before Jay Michael Stelly delivered the game-winning RBI knock.
Lane Sparks led the offense with two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI, while Gabe Guidry added an RBI single. Jack Garcille earned the win after pitching a scoreless ninth inning as the Gators improved to 15-8 on the season.
READ MORE: McNeese Football Schedule with Times & Dates
Gumbeaux Gators Turnaround in 2026
The Gators, led by McNeese Softball coach James Landreneau, have made a complete turnaround in Year One. After finishing 9-37 in 2025, the Gators have won the 2nd Half of the Texas Collegiate League schedule, going 15-8, and 27-19 overall. That's good for 2nd overall in the TCL Standings.
“I’m just happy for our players. They’re grinding to get to this point in the season. A lot of these guys are beat up and tired, but they continue to come out and compete, said Gators coach James Landreneau. "There are no egos involved. Everybody is fighting for each other and fighting as a team. I think the biggest thing has been our great team concept. I’m just really proud of our guys, how hard they fight and how they continue to come back and win games late. The effort they’ve put in and the way they’ve represented this organization — we’re just really proud of them.”
2026 Texas Collegiate League Standings
- Victoria Generals – 30-18
- Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators – 27-19
- San Antonio River Monsters – 24-18
- Acadiana Cane Cutters – 24-21
- Brazos Valley Bombers – 24-21
- Baton Rouge Rougarou – 19-26
- Abilene Flying Bison – 17-24
- Sherman Shadowcats – 13-31
READ MORE: LSU/McNeese Exhibition Tickets On-Sale Now
Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators to Host Cane Cutters with Free Admission
The Texas Collegiate League playoffs will get underway on Tuesday Night with the Gators hosting their first playoff game at Joe Miller Ballpark in Lake Charles. The Gumbeaux Gators will be hosting the Acadiana Cane Cutters with Gates Opening at 6:00, with the game set to begin at 7.
The Gators have had free admission nights throughout the year, and to celebrate making the playoffs, the Gators are offering FREE ADMISSION to their playoff game on Tuesday Night courtesy of Orion Renewable Energy Group.
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