HOUSTON, Texas – The Nicholls State University baseball team found itself trailing by three runs for a second consecutive ballgame, but the Dirty Red scored five unanswered to take a 5-3 victory and even their Southland Conference series with Houston Baptist at one win apiece on Saturday afternoon at Husky Field.
For the second time in as many days, the Colonels (21-26, 11-12 SLC) dug a first-inning hole, allowing the Huskies (21-24, 10-13 SLC) to grab a 2-0 lead after one.
Houston Baptist added a run in the fourth to secure a 3-0 advantage, but Nicholls answered in a major way.
Ethan Valdez led off the fifth inning with a single to right center, before
Alex Tucker was hit by a pitch. The following batter,
Brandon Harigel, reached on a fielder's choice as Tucker was thrown out at second, but a throwing error on the play allowed Valdez to come home. A
Justin Holt walk placed runners on first and second, before a
Joey Morales sac bunt advanced both Colonels.
Kyle Knauth subsequently singled up the middle, sending two runs in. An
Alex Shermer double to left center on the next at bat scored Knauth and gave Nicholls its first lead of the series at 4-3.
An inning later,
Gavin Wehby drew a leadoff walk, advanced to second on a Valdez ground out and came home on a Tucker single to right field.
Relief pitcher
Robbie Petty and the Colonel defense kept the Huskies in check for the final two innings and Nicholls held on for the victory.
Knauth paced Nicholls offensively with a 1-for-5 outing, two RBIs and a run scored. Holt went 1-for-3 with a run and Tucker hit 1-for-3 with an RBI. Shermer finished 2-for-4 and drove in a run.
Brandon Brintz led the Houston Baptist offense, batting 1-for-4 with a pair of RBIs.
Cole Stapler (4-5) picked up the win, allowing three runs on seven hits with two strikeouts through seven innings on the mound. Petty earned his first save of the season after holding the Huskies to just one hit, while fanning five batters over the final two scoreless innings.
Christian Thames (2-6) took the loss, surrendering five runs on six hits with three strikeouts through 5 2/3 innings on the hill.
The series finale rubber match is set for a 2 p.m. start on Sunday.
PROBABLE PITCHING ROTATION
Nicholls
Sunday: LHP Alex Ernestine (3-3, 6.56 ERA, 23 SO, 35.2 IP)
Houston Baptist
Sunday: RHP Addison Russ (7-4, 3.35 ERA, 55 SO, 80.2 IP)
The Colonels will next face Alcorn State at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Nicholls will then host a three-game Southland Conference series against Northwestern State, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 13.
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls baseball visit geauxcolonels.com. Be sure to follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_BASE.
