THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University baseball team held a 2-1 advantage heading into the sixth inning, but Central Arkansas scored six unanswered runs to take a 7-2 victory at Ray E. Didier Field.
 
Despite a loss in their weekend finale, the Colonels (16-21, 7-11 SLC) earned an important 2-1 Southland Conference series win and also made a significant impact in their community. Nicholls raised $1,490 on Sunday for Autism Society Bayou, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by autism.
 
After a four-inning scoreless pitching duel, the Bears (15-19, 6-9 SLC) broke the stalemate with a run in the fifth.
 
Nicholls immediately responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame, but Central Arkansas caught fire over the next two innings. The Bears scored four runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh while holding the Colonels in check.
 
Dylan Manichia led Nicholls offensively, batting 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run. Joey Morales hit 1-for-5 with an RBI and Justin Holt finished 1-for-2 with a run scored.
 
Justin McCarty paced the Central Arkansas offense, batting 2-for-5 with a pair of RBIs and a run.
 
Alex Ernestine (2-2) took the loss, surrendering four runs on six hits with three strikeouts through 5 1/3 innings.
 
Riley Echols (2-1) picked up the win, giving up two runs on six hits with a strikeout through 8 1/3 innings of work.
 
The Colonels will next face a road challenge against Louisiana-Lafayette at 6 p.m. on April 19. Nicholls will then fly to Lincoln for a three-game series against Nebraska, beginning at 6:35 p.m. on April 22.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls baseball, visit geauxcolonels.com.