LAKE CHARLES, La. -- The Nicholls State University baseball program (20-28, 15-18 SLC) struggled to develop any offensive rhythm throughout the opening contest of the four-game series against in-state rival McNeese (23-26, 16-16 SLC), surrendering all seven runs over the fifth, sixth and seventh frames en route to a shutout defeat by the host Cowboys on Friday evening at Joe Miller Ballpark in Lake Charles, La.

Entering the fifth inning, Nicholls starter Chase Gearing (4-4) had proven virtually perfect, allowing just two total baserunners across the first 14 batters faced -- a hit-by-pitch (first) and a walk (second); the Cowboys, however, fought back with two runs in the fifth, notching the first on a groundout RBI before collecting the second on a wild pitch. The sixth saw McNeese pick up a sacrifice fly before a pair of two-run homers put the game out of the reach for the Red & Gray, vaulting the Cowboys out to a 7-0 advantage and the eventual victory.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
-- With the loss, the Colonels fall to 20-28 overall for the season along with a 15-18 mark in Southland competition; meanwhile, McNeese improves to 23-26 on the year with a 16-16 record in league play.
-- Despite a brilliant start, Gearing was saddled with his fourth loss of the season following 6.0 innings of work, giving up five runs on four total hits. Out of the bullpen, seniors Beau Balado and Peter Holland each took 1.0 frame of relief apiece, combining for three strikeouts while giving up two runs on just one hit.
-- Offensively, only three Colonels managed to connect for a base hit on the day -- sophomore Xane Washington along with freshmen Caleb Hill and Wes Toups.
 
ON DECK
With the series opener out of the way, the Red & Gray aim to flip the script on the host Cowboys throughout Saturday's twin bill slate, first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. at Joe Miller Ballpark.

STAY SOCIAL
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