NEW ORLEANS, La. – Dylan Manichia had his second multi-home run outing of the season, crushing two solo bombs to help lead the Nicholls State University baseball team to a come-from-behind victory over New Orleans, 5-4, on Thursday night at Maestri Field.
 
The Privateers (30-22, 14-14 SLC) jumped out to a two-run lead in the first inning, but the Colonels (24-30, 12-16 SLC) answered with a Manichia solo homer in the second.
 
Nicholls took advantage of a sixth-inning miscue by New Orleans to tie things up at two runs apiece. Quade Smith laid down a bunt single, stole second and reached third on a Kyle Knauth groundout. A few pitches later, the Privateer catcher attempted a routine throw back to the pitcher, but the ball sailed just over his battery mate's head and Smith alertly sprinted home for the score before New Orleans could collect the errant throw.
 
The Privateers recaptured the lead with a solo shot in the bottom of the frame, but the Colonels punched back with two runs in the seventh. Smith singled to second, moved up on a passed ball and came in on a Knauth single to left field. Knauth advanced to second on a throwing error, before scoring on a Gavin Wehby single to right.
 
Manichia was given a warning by the New Orleans Police Department in the eighth inning after annihilating a fastball and sending it soaring 400 feet into Lake Pontchartrain. The monster home run put Nicholls ahead, 5-3.
 
The Privateers chipped in a run in the bottom of the frame, but the Colonels locked down defensively and held on for the win.
 
Manichia finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs, while Smith hit 3-for-5 and scored twice. Knauth turned in a 1-for-3 night with an RBI and a run scored. Wehby went 1-for-5 with an RBI.
 
Samuel Capielano led the New Orleans offense with a 4-for-5 performance at the plate and a run scored.
 
Justin Sinibaldi (6-6) picked up the win, allowing four runs on 12 hits with three strikeouts through eight innings on the mound. Robby Petty earned his third save of the year, allowing just one hit in the final scoreless frame.
 
Jarred Taylor (6-1) took the loss, surrendering two runs (one earned) on two hits through 2/3 innings on the hill.
 
The teams will meet for game two at 6 p.m. on Friday in Thibodaux. Friday's matchup will be Senior Day, as Nicholls honors its five seniors prior to the game. First pitch for the weekend finale is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday.
 
PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS
 
Nicholls
Friday: RHP Cole Stapler (4-6, 3.65 ERA, 45 SO, 86.1 IP)
Saturday: LHP Alex Ernestine (3-5, 7.36 ERA, 30 SO, 44.0 IP)
 
New Orleans
Friday: LHP Hunter Medine (3-0, 4.42 ERA, 27 SO, 38.2 IP)
Saturday: LHP Bryan Warzek (2-3, 5.48 ERA, 38 SO, 47.2 IP)

For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls baseball visit geauxcolonels.com. Be sure to follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_BASE.