HOUSTON, Texas – The Nicholls State University baseball team was notched in a 3-3 tie with Houston Baptist on Mother's Day, but a four-run fifth inning lifted the Huskies to a 7-3 victory over the Colonels at Husky Field.
For the third time in as many games, Nicholls (21-27, 11-13 SLC) surrendered multiple runs in the opening frame. Houston Baptist (22-24, 11-13 SLC) came out hot, taking a 3-0 lead after one.
The Colonels immediately erased the deficit and tied the contest with a three-run second inning.
Alex Shermer and
Gavin Wehby registered back-to-back singles and both runners advanced on a
Trevor Flynn ground.
Ethan Valdez was subsequently hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Moments later,
Dylan Manichia launched a base-clearing double to right center that tied the ballgame.
The score remained tied until the Huskies blew things open in the fifth. Houston Baptist converted a walk, three singles and a double into four runs to secure a 7-3 advantage.
The Nicholls defense held firm for the remainder of the contest, but the Colonels were unable to generate enough offense to climb their way back.
Shermer placed Nicholls with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate and a run scored. Wehby and Valdez each went 1-for-3 with a run, and Manichia finished 1-for-4 with three RBIs.
Zane Otten led the Huskies with a 3-for-4 day and two RBIs.
Alex Ernestine (3-4) took the loss, allowing six runs on seven hits with a pair of strikeouts through 4 1/3 innings on the mound.
Mike Hanchar gave up one run on two hits while fanning one batter through 1 2/3 innings of relief.
Daniel Goff held Houston Baptist to just one hit while recording one strikeout over the final two scoreless innings.
Addison Russ (8-4) picked up the win, allowing three runs on six hits while fanning five batters through 7 2/3 innings of work.
The Colonels will next face Alcorn State at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Nicholls will 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.
