LAFAYETTE, La. – The Nicholls State University baseball team kept Louisiana-Lafayette in check for six innings, but a late rally allowed the Ragin' Cajuns to slip past the Colonels, 4-3, on Tuesday night at M.L. Tigue Moore Field.
 
Nicholls (16-22, 7-11 SLC) took a 3-0 lead in the third inning and maintained a 3-1 advantage midway through the seventh, but Louisiana-Lafayette (25-12) scored three runs in the bottom of the frame and held on for the victory.
 
After a pair of scoreless innings to open the ballgame, the Colonels chipped in three runs in the third. Alex Tucker was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on consecutive wild pitches. Ethan Valdez drew a walk in the next at bat, placing runners at first and third. Joey Morales immediately singled through the left side, scoring Tucker and advancing Valdez to third. Morales stole second, before Kyle Knauth launched a double to right center that sent both base runners home.
 
The Ragin' Cajuns chipped in a run in the fourth inning and used a three-run seventh to steal the lead.
 
Morales led Nicholls offensively with a 2-for-4 night, a run and an RBI. Knauth finished 1-for-4 with a pair of RBIs, while Tucker hit 2-for-3 with a run scored. Justin Holt turned in a 2-for-3 night and Gavin Wehby registered a 1-for-3 outing.
 
Kyle Clement paced the Louisiana-Lafayette offense, batting 3-for-4 with a run scored.
 
Mike Hanchar was outstanding from the mound, allowing just two hits through three scoreless innings of work. Jake Smith (1-3) took the loss, surrendering three runs on two hits through 1/3 innings.
 
Evan Guillory (4-3) picked up the win, giving up three runs on eight hits through seven innings on the hill.
 
Nicholls will next fly to Lincoln for a three-game series against Nebraska, beginning at 6:35 p.m. on April 22. The Colonels will then return home for a three-game Southland Conference series against McNeese State, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 29.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls baseball, visit geauxcolonels.com.