A seventh-inning home run from sophomore pitcher Casey Faile ensured the No. 19 LSU softball team would avoid a fourth-straight shutout, but it was not enough to prevent Wednesday night’s 4-3 loss to McNeese State.The Tigers (27-14-1) had managed just three hits when Faile blasted a three-run shot into the stands. The homer was the lone setback for the Cowboys (24-25), whose pitcher, Bethany Stefinsky, struck out nine batters and allowed just four hits.Faile got the start in the circle for LSU in addition to providing the Tigers’ only runs. She pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and three runs.The Cowboys picked up all four runs in a disastrous fifth inning for LSU. Faile walked two batters and allowed a run to score on a wild pitch before a two-RBI double ended her night in the circle.Junior outfielder Kirsten Shortridge finished the night, allowing an RBI single in the fifth before pitching a scoreless sixth inning.LSU is now on a four-game losing streak after being swept by No. 1 Florida last weekend. The Tigers failed to score in all three games against the Gators and were set to finish their 28th inning of scoreless softball before Faile hit her home run.The game was LSU’s final nonconference game before the postseason, and the Tigers’ first loss of the season in midweek non-conference competition.LSU hosts South Carolina this weekend before concluding its regular season at Auburn on May 2 and 3.—-Contact David Helman at [email protected]