THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University baseball team squandered an opportunity to take an early lead on Saturday and Northwestern State took advantage, drawing first blood and holding on for a 4-1 victory at Ray E. Didier Field.
 
The Colonels (22-29, 11-15 SLC) loaded the bases in the second inning, but were unable to get on the board.
 
Two innings later a two-run home run put the Demons (29-21, 16-10 SLC) on top. Northwestern State added a run in the seventh to secure a 3-0 advantage, before a solo bomb in the ninth gave the Demons a four-run lead.
 
Nicholls answered with a solo shot by Kyle Knauth in the bottom of the frame, but the Colonels were unable to rally.
 
Knauth finished 2-for-4 to pace the Nicholls offense.
 
David Fry led Northwestern State with a 1-for-4 outing, two RBIs and a run.
 
Cole Stapler (4-6) took the loss, surrendering four runs on seven hits with five strikeouts through 8 1/3 innings. Daniel Goff tossed the final 2/3 scoreless, hitless innings.
 
Chase Hymel (5-5) picked up the win, fanning seven batters, while allowing only five hits through seven innings of work. Nathan Jones picked up his fifth save of the season, giving up one run on one hit with four strikeouts through two innings of relief.
 
First pitch for the series finale is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday.
 
PROBABLE PITCHING ROTATION
 
Nicholls
Sunday: LHP Alex Ernestine (3-4, 7.20 ERA, 25 SO, 40.0 IP)
 
Northwestern State
Sunday: RHP Evan Tidwell (4-3, 3.16 ERA, 21 SO, 62.2 IP)
 
Following this weekend's action the Colonels will face Tulane at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Big Easy. Nicholls will then battle New Orleans in an away-home-away series set to begin at 6 p.m. on Friday.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls baseball visit geauxcolonels.com. Be sure to follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_BASE.