THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University baseball team was defeated by Stephen F. Austin 7-5 on Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field on Friday night.
 
Both teams go out to quick starts offensively as SFA took a 2-1 lead heading into the second inning. After the Lumberjacks scored on a back-to-back hits into the outfield, Nicholls (14-25, 7-16 SLC) scored one run on three hits to split the deficit.
 
Leadoff hitter Karson Irvin got the action started with a full count single up the middle but was called out on the next play for interference. Next, Aaron Biediger and Narvin Booker Jr. had consecutive base knocks to plate Jaden Collura who earned a two out walk.
 
The Colonels tied the game in the fourth following two scoreless frames from starting pitchers Dylan Mulcahy and Alec Sparks. The Colonels began the inning by loading the bases as Matt Melancon, Fisher Ingersoll and Logan Mock tallied consecutive base hits. Melancon scored on a play where Irvin reached on an error by the third baseman to tie the game at 2.
 
Following a scoreless fifth, the Lumberjacks scored five runs across the sixth and seventh innings on four hits and two errors to take a 7-2 lead through seven stanzas.
 
The Colonels tied to piece together a comeback in an action packed ninth but fell two runs shy from tying the game. Pinch hitter Noah Detiller worked a full count walk before advancing to third on a Melancon double to right field. Detiller scored on an Ingersoll sacrifice fly before Melancon scored on a Mock double. Mock scored on the next play as A.J. Cappell reached on a throwing error by the pitcher who was throwing to first base. SFA went to the bullpen to strikeout the final batter of the game.
 
Desptie having 15 hits for the fourth time this season, the Colonels left 14 runners stranded on base.
 
ON DECK
Game three of the series will be on April 19 at 1 p.m.