THIBODAUX, La. - A single in the ninth inning was all Southern was able to muster against the Nicholls State University baseball team, as the Colonels used three runs in the first to defeat the Jaguars, 3-0, Tuesday night on Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field.
Eight Colonels took the mound in the victory, with
Nico Saltaformaggio (2-1) making the start and tossing the first two innings. The staff combined for 11 strikeouts and walked just two batters, led by Saltaformaggio with two strikeouts in each of his two frames.
Austin Cain provided the offense with a 2-run single up the middle in the opening frame. After the first two batters were retired, Nicholls (20-14) loaded the bases and Cain delivered a base hit up the middle.
Austin Trahan made it 3-0 with a base hit to left center.
The Colonels loaded the bases again with two outs in the next inning, but could not add to the lead.
Southern had runners reach base in the third and fourth via walks and hit-by-pitches but could not take advantage. Nicholls then retired the Jaguars in order in the fifth through eighth innings.
Luke Barbier highlighted the stretch with two strikeouts in the fifth.
With Nicholls looking for the second combined no-hitter this season, the Jaguars spoiled it as Nathaniel Lai was down to his last strike before roping a single to right center.
Brandon Andrews then finished off the save with a fielder's choice to
Parker Coddou at shortstop.
Dylan Bergeron,
Mason Turner,
Bradley Ely,
Nick Hill and
Gavin Galy all threw 1.0 inning of relief. Bergeron also had two punchouts in his inning of work in the third.
ON DECK
Nicholls will head to San Antonio for a three-game conference series against UIW. Friday's opener is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
