THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls State University Head Coach
Seth Thibodeaux is known for taking risks and pulled a rabbit out of his hat again on Sunday, calling for a drag bunt with two outs in the bottom of the ninth that resulted in the game-winning run as the Colonels took a 3-2 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in their series finale at Ray E. Didier Field.
"It was a gutsy call," Thibodeaux said. "But the guys really stepped up and executed and they're the ones who made it happen. To have a pair of freshman make a play like that to win a ballgame is outstanding."
The last time Nicholls (10-7-1, 3-3 SLC) earned a win over the Islanders (10-6, 2-1 SLC) was nearly three years ago on March 31, 2012. Corpus Christi had won seven straight matchups against the Colonels prior to Sunday's contest, and had held Nicholls scoreless through the first two games of this weekend's series.
The Colonels wasted no time jumping out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning after
Kyle Reese doubled to left field, scoring
Justin Holt. Nicholls added a run in the fourth when
Christian Correa notched a single to right center and Holt came home for a second time.
Just when it looked like the Colonels had the game in hand, the Islanders tied things up in the eighth. After a pair of singles and an error, Kyle Danford singled to center, sending Brandon Guilford and Jordan Lee home.
Pinch-hitter
Gavin Wehby led off the ninth inning for Nicholls with a single and advanced to second on a Frazier ground out.
Christian Correa hit a pop up to shallow right field for the second out of the frame. Wehby advanced to third on a wild pitch before Reese was intentionally walked to bring up
Alex Shermer for his first at bat of the day. Shermer waited until the last moment before quickly squaring and laying a surprise bunt down the third base line. Wehby slid in safely at home and Shermer narrowly beat out the throw to first, crossing with his arms outstretched like an airplane in a distinctive fashion he has become known for amongst his teammates. The Colonels stormed the field, mobbing Shermer, who had run into right center.
Justin Sinibaldi didn't earn a win, but certainly was instrumental in the victory on Sunday. The righty threw seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits with six strikeouts in a dominant performance. In relief,
Robbie Petty surrendered two unearned runs on two hits in a third of an inning.
Stuart Holmes (1-0) earned his first win, tossing the final 1.2 innings and allowing two hits while fanning two batters.
Jacob Dorris (0-1) took the loss, surrendering the game-winning run and giving up two hits with a walk and a wild pitch through two innings on the mound.
Holt led Nicholls at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Reese was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Wehby finished 1-for-1 with a run and Shermer batted 1-for-1 with the game-winning RBI.
Danford paced Corpus Christi with a 2-for-4 outing and two RBIs.
The Colonels will host Lamar University for a two-game non-conference series, beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at The Did. The second contest slated for 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Tuesday's matchup will be broadcast live on KNSU 91.5 FM, while Wednesday's game will be carried on KTIB 640 AM.
Visit geauxcolonels.com for live stats, video and the most up-to-date information on Nicholls baseball.
