March 11, 2008

Box Score

THIBODAUX, La. - In a game that saw Colonel pitchers hit seven batsmen and walk eight, the South Alabama Jaguars defeated Nicholls 10-6 Tuesday evening at Didier Field.

USA got on the board early, scoring six runs in the third inning. Ryne Jernigan knockd a two-RBI double into center field, plating Clint Toomey and David Doss, who led off with back-to-back walks. Jernigan scored when the next batter, Bunky Kateon, followed up with a double of his own. In all, the Jags scored six runs on four hits, three walks and two hit batters.

"Against good teams, you can't give up free passes," noted Colonel skipper Chip Durham. "We had a combined 14 hit batters and walks, and seven of those came around to score. We're not going to beat anybody pitching like that."

Brandon Sage notched the win for South Alabama, improving to 1-1 on the season. He struck out five Colonel batters through five innings of work. Justin Breaux falls to 0-2 with the loss for Nicholls. He lasted just 2.1 innings, surrendering six earned runs.

South Alabama scored two in the fifth and two in the seventh to take a 10-2 lead to the bottom of the seventh.

The Colonels battled, scoring a run in the third, fifth and seventh innings and adding three in the bottom of the ninth, but Jaguar insurance runs proved to be the difference.

In the ninth, Patrick Thompson drew a pinch-hit walk to give the Colonels a baserunner. Corey Arceneaux, who pinch ran for Thompson, scored on a Keith Kulbeth single. Walter Jones, who reached on an infield single was also brought around on the play, cutting the Jaguar lead to five runs. Brett Cook would score the last run of the game, reaching base after being hit by a pitch.

"I was proud of our guys offensively," Durham added. "We battled, just like I know we can. We put together 11 hits against a good club and we improved defensively. If we continue to hit and play defense like we did tonight I think we will put ourselves in a situation to win ball games."

The top three batters in the order for Nicholls combined for seven hits on the night. Jones went 3-for-5 with an RBI and scored twice. Cook finished at 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while Kulbeth was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Nicholls will continue with game two of a five-game homestand tomorrow night, hosting Louisiana College. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m.

"We've got one more pre-conference game left tomorrow night," Durham said, "so we have to come out ready to play to get some momentum going into this weekend."

Fans can follow the action via live stats by visiting www.GeauxColonels.com and clicking the GameTracker link. The game can also be heard live on KTIB 640 AM or at www.ThibodauxOnLine.com.

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