March 14, 2008

Box Score

THIBODAUX, La. - The Texas State Bobcats used a five-run seventh to run to a 10-4 Southland Conference victory over the Colonels Friday evening at Ray E. Didier Field.

Texas State (9-4, 1-0 SLC) drove six solid hits past the Colonels (2-11, 0-1 SLC) in the seventh to take a 9-4 lead they would not relinquish. Paul Goldschmidt knocked a two-RBI single to center with the bases loaded to score Adam Witek and Laurn Randell, getting the scoring started for the Bobcats.

Mike Hart (2-1) went the distance for Texas State, giving up four runs (three earned) and striking out 12 Colonel batters. Drew Erwin (1-1), who came in out of the bullpen for Nicholls in the seventh inning, took the loss.

"We swung the bats early, but we have to tip our hats to [Mike] Hart," said assistant coach Seth Thibodeaux. "He came out and developed his curve ball late in the game, and we couldn't adjust."

Nicholls held their own with the Bobcats, taking a 1-0 lead through the third, putting a run on the board in the first on a sac fly by Shane Barksdale.

The Colonels added two in the fourth and another in the fifth to take a 4-3 lead before the Bobcat offense exploded.

Nicholls scattered seven hits through the the outing.

Barksdale led the Colonels, going 1-for-2 with 2 RBI and a base on balls. T.J. Menerey also drove in two runs for Nicholls, hitting a single down the right field line in the fourth inning that plated Barksdale and Kevin Persick.

Freshman Jordy Toups, making his first start for the Colonels, went 1-for-3 at the plate and reached base twice.

Shortstop Keith Kulbeth was injured in the game for Nicholls, taking a bad-hop ball to the face in the seventh inning.

"Having Kulbeth get injured tonight took the wind out of our sail a little bit," said Thibodaux, "but we'll be fine tomorrow."

Seth Webster, who started on the mound for the Colonels, went six innings, giving up four hits and four runs (three earned).

Lance Guidroz and Nathan Quebedeaux each struck out one batter in relief for Nicholls.

"We'll be ready to go tomorrow with Bryan Myers taking the mound. He's a senior - one of the best arms we've got on this team - and we have 100% confidence in him," added Thibodaux. "We just need to keep playing defense and the hits will come."

The Bobcats and Colonels will square off in game two of the three-game series Saturday at 3 p.m. Fans can follow the action live by clicking the GameTracker link at www.GeauxColonels.com.

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