THIBODAUX, La. -- Despite nearly a full year out of action, the Nicholls State University baseball program (1-1, 0-0 SLC) returned to bayou with some serious fire in Saturday afternoon's season-opening doubleheader, scoring 14 total runs in an even 1-1 split against visiting Eastern Illinois (1-1, 0-0 OVC) throughout near-perfect opening day weather at Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field.

After falling behind by four runs through three-and-a-half frames in game one, the Red & Gray orchestrated an offensive explosion to record the eventual blowout, notching 11 runs -- six across the fourth and fifth innings along with another five to close out the final two -- to jump out a quick series advantage.

The second matchup proved much closer, however, as the Panthers once again bolted out to a quick lead behind a three-run first inning, holding Nicholls in relative check -- surrendered one run in the third off a wild pitch -- till recapturing the three-run edge with a score of their own in the sixth. The Red & Gray attempted a late rally, putting up a pair of runs in the eighth, but fell short of their second comeback in as many tries.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
-- With the split, both the Colonels and Eastern Illinois move to 1-1 on the season, facing a rubber match game three on Sunday afternoon.
-- Offensive showcase aside, the Red & Gray pitching staff composed a strong pair of contests, surrendering just seven total runs while picking up 20 total strikeouts. Freshman Nico Saltaformaggio earned the victory in the opener after relieving starter Trever Kilcrease, tossing 2.2 frames with no runs and zero hits allowed in a stellar kickoff to his collegiate career. Meanwhile, sophomore Chase Gearing along with freshman Devin Desandro combined for nearly the entirety of the second contest in each of their debuts at the Division I level, throwing a joint 8.1 innings with five hits and four runs -- three earned -- given up, not to mention nine total strikeouts.
-- At the plate, freshman Wes Toups impressed in his first day donning the Red & Gray, racking up four hits -- including one double and a bomb over the right field wall -- and a pair of RBIs. Four fellow teammates also posted a multi-hit twin bill, including first-time Colonels Greg Anderberg and Basiel Williams along with veterans Dillon Belle and Dane Simon, while freshman Parker Coddou came through in the clutch with a three-RBI triple midway through the first contest.
 
UP NEXT
The Red & Gray close out the three-game season-opening series against Eastern Illinois on Sunday afternoon, first pitch against the Panthers set for 1 p.m. at Ray E. Didier Field.

STAY SOCIAL
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