THIBODAUX, La. – Senior right-handed pitcher Cayden Hatcher struck out a career-high 10 batters, but it was not enough as the Nicholls State University baseball team fell 3-1 to Northwestern State University Saturday night on Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field.
 
"I felt we had a plan [against Demons starter Ridge Heisler]," Nicholls head coach Seth Thibodeaux said. "The unfortunate part was we didn't get the clutch hit with runners in scoring position and that was the difference in the game. I thought Cayden threw really well. He matched their guy. It was a great baseball game. They had a couple of hits that fell in and we didn't."
 
Hatcher tossed eight strong innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits. Heisler one-upped Hatcher with a one-run complete game accompanied by seven hits, four strikeouts and a walk.
 
The Colonels (4-11, 1-1 SLC) were 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position. Senior shortstop Joey Morales recorded a team-high two hits and has reached base in all 14 games this season.
 
Northwestern State (8-7, 1-1 SLC) got to Hatcher early, putting up a run in the first frame on a JP Lagreco single that scored David Fry. Fry was plated once again in the third on a two-out single from Luke Watson.  Fry, a preseason All-SLC Second Team selection, finished 2-for-4 with two doubles.
 
Nicholls' lone run came in the fourth inning off the bat of senior outfielder Lee Clark, who pummeled a 1-1 fastball onto the berm in right field. Northwestern State added an insurance run in the seventh on a double to left center from Caleb Ricca. And that was more than Heisler needed.
 
Nicholls faces the Demons in the rubber match Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
 
Get your season or single-game tickets now by calling 985-448-4790 or visiting nichollstickets.com. Please click here for more information on joining the 2018 Nicholls Baseball Coaches Committee. Visit geauxcolonels.com for the most up-to-date information on Nicholls baseball. Be sure to follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_BASE.