THIBODAUX, La. -- With just one out in the ninth and the winning run itching to score from third, Xane Washington demonstrated firsthand why he earned the Red & Gray's No. 11 jersey this offseason, splitting the infield with a walkoff RBI chopper to complete a Nicholls (3-5, 0-0 Southland) three-score comeback over league rival McNeese (5-3, 0-0 SLC) in the Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Mardi Gras Classic finale early Monday evening at Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field.

The late excitement served as an absolute reversal on the game's opening five-and-a-half frames, as Nicholls starter Tyler Theriot and Cowboys frontman Cameron Foster engaged in a pitcher's duel to the tune of zero runs scored. Once Foster took a seat, however, the Colonels were quick to take advantage, grabbing a 1-0 edge off an E2 in the sixth inning; McNeese answered in less than a frame, though, capturing a one-score lead in the seventh on a two-RBI single before notching an insurance run later in the eighth.

Down two entering the team's final opportunity in the ninth, the Red & Gray put faith in a slew of veteran at-bats and were immediately rewarded with a single from redshirt senior Adam Tarver followed by a reach on a error from fellow senior Chris Sandberg. After a an Austin France fielder's choice knotted the contest at three apiece, Washington stepped in for his eventual hero's moment, sealing the 4-3 victory.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
-- With the win, the Colonels bump up to 3-5 overall on the season while McNeese drops to a 5-3 mark.
-- On the mound, Theriot completed his second start in less than a week -- posted a 4-2 win over No. 11 LSU on Wednesday -- with similarly strong numbers, striking out six while surrendering just two runs on seven hits. Throughout his 6.2 innings in control, the sophomore fought his way out of dangerous territory on numerous occasions, serving as the primary reason the Cowboys left 14 men stranded for the game.
-- Interestingly enough, junior transfer David Vial Jr. (1-0) earned the first victory of his Nicholls career despite facing just one batter, striking out the final Cowboy to wrap up the top of the ninth.
-- In total, the Colonels finished with five players getting connections on the matchup with Washington acting as the lone multi-hit specialist behind his three.

UP NEXT
Following a nearly non-stop schedule across the opening two weeks, the Colonels receive a well-deserved few days off before hosting a four-game series against LIU, set for Friday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, Mar. 1 at Didier Field.

STAY SOCIAL
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