THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University baseball team outhit ULM and held an advantage midway through Tuesday's contest, but the Warhawks used a three-run sixth to steal the lead and held on for a 3-1 victory over the Colonels at Warhawk Field.
 
After three scoreless innings, Nicholls (20-25, 10-11 SLC) took advantage of a miscue by ULM (17-28, 7-14 Sun Belt) to secure a fourth-inning lead. Dylan Manichia singled through the left side and advanced to third on a Kyle Reese double to right. Manichia came home as Alex Tucker reached on a throwing error.
 
Two innings later, the Warhawks converted a triple, three singles and a wild pitch into a three-run sixth.
 
The Colonels put their leadoff runner on base in both the eighth and ninth innings, but were unable to take advantage.
 
Kyle Knauth led Nicholls offensively with a 3-for-5 outing. Manichia finished 1-for-2 with a run scored and Tucker registered the Colonels' lone RBI. Quade Smith had his second consecutive perfect game at the plate, batting 1-for-1 with a leadoff single in the ninth.
 
Nathan Pugh paced the ULM offense, going 2-for-2 with an RBI.
 
Despite a solid performance on the mound, Zach Thiac (4-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on just three hits with three strikeouts through five innings of work. Adam Tarver surrendered one run on two hits in the sixth. Mike Hanchar was outstanding in relief, tossing the final two hitless frames, while fanning three batters.
 
Payton Coddou (1-0) picked up the win, allowing two hits with three strikeouts through three scoreless innings on the hill. Anthony Herrera earned his seventh save of the season, allowing one hit and fanning two batters in the final frame.
 
The Colonels will next travel to Texas for a three-game Southland Conference series at Houston Baptist beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday. Nicholls is set to host Alcorn State on May 11.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls baseball visit geauxcolonels.com. Be sure to follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_BASE.