May 2, 2010

Box Score

THIBODAUX - The Nicholls State University baseball team (22-21, 11-13 Southland Conference) jumped out to an early lead, scoring five times in the first four innings. However, the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions (33-13, 15-9 Southland Conference) rallied with two runs in the seventh, and eight more in the final two innings as Southeastern claimed the 14-5 win in the rubber match of the three-game series between the two in-state and conference rivals.

The Colonels were led by senior outfielder Keith Kulbeth (2-for-3, 2B, 2 R) and junior first baseman Beau Faulk (2-for-3, 2B, R, 2 RBI).

Southeastern jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on an RBI double by Cody Gougler, but the Colonels answered as Faulk doubled home Kulbeth in the bottom half.

Nicholls then staked starter Jarret Dunnam to their first lead of the afternoon by plating three runs in the bottom of the third. Nicholls strung together four hits and took advantage of a Southeastern error to bring home three unearned runs and make it 4-1.

However, after cruising through the second and third innings, Dunnam ran into trouble in the fourth. Southeastern strung together four straight hits to score three runs and tie the game at 4-4.

Nicholls reclaimed the lead in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Adam Miley to make it 5-4. However, after loading the bases, the Colonels failed to bring any more home.

After handcuffing Southeastern in the fifth and sixth, Dunnam ran into trouble once again in the seventh. The Lions rallied to score a pair of unearned runs to chase Dunnam from the game and take a 6-5 lead.

The Lions kept their foot on the gas by pulling away with three more in the eighth and five more in the ninth. Meanwhile, Southeastern reliever Tyler Watkins kept Nicholls at bay by allowing just one hit over 5.2 IP of scoreless relief.

The Colonels will return to action on May 7 when they head to San Antonio, Texas for a three-game series with UTSA.