THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University baseball team received a complete game from Cole Stapler and Juan Givan provided the offense with a 2-run double in the seventh, as the Colonels picked up a 2-1 win over HBU in Friday night's series opener at Ray E. Didier Field.
 
Nicholls had just two hits against HBU starter Addison Huss, both coming in the seventh inning. Quade Smith broke up the no-hitter with his first base hit of the season and following a walk and a sacrifice bunt, Givan, who was making his first start, ripped a grounder down the first base line to give Nicholls a 2-0 lead.
 
HBU got one back in the eighth on a solo home run by Carey Jones, but Stapler went on to earn the complete game victory after retiring the Huskies in order in the ninth.
 
Stapler (2-2) was sharp in picking up his first league win of the season, striking out seven and allowed just three hits in nine innings. HBU singled in the first before the Colonels ended the frame on a 4-6-3 double play. The other hit came on a leadoff single in the third, but Stapler retired the next three, capping the inning with one of his four looking strikeouts.
 
Russ (0-2) was dominant before running into trouble in the seventh. He tossed eight innings and struck out nine, including fanning the side in the fifth.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Colonels will look to clinch their second straight series Saturday against HBU. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.