Desandro, defense guides Nicholls past Islanders, 1-0

THIBODAUX, La. — Underscored by an elite pitching performance from freshman starter Devin Desandro, the Nicholls State University baseball program (14-16, 9-6 SLC) orchestrated brilliant defensive display in a critical game three against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (8-22, 4-10 SLC), eventually clinching the 1-0 shutout victory over the Islanders on Saturday evening at Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field.

Desandro (2-1) compiled a lethal outing as the Thibodaux product powered his way through 7.2 innings with just five hits surrendered for no runs, setting down four batters on strikes en route to the second win of his young career. Notably, fellow freshman Wes Toups provided the defensive flair as the fellow local star recorded an acrobatic diving catch two outs deep into the eighth, extinguishing the Islanders’ late rally attempt as, more than likely, two runners would have scored for the A&M-Corpus Christi lead.

Following tonight's GIANT victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, we caught up w/ HC @Coach_Thib along w/ freshman OF @westoups…make sure you check out the full interview right here:#dirtyred #makehistory pic.twitter.com/pkc9EjmTVr

— Nicholls Baseball (@Nicholls_BSB) April 11, 2021

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
— With the win, the Colonels improve to 14-16 overall for the season along with a 9-6 mark in Southland competition; meanwhile, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi falls to an 8-22 mark on the year with a 4-10 record in league play.
— In relief, ace closer Joe Taylor continued to earn his keep as the Red & Gray’s top option for maintaining late advantages, setting down the side — including two strikeouts — throughout a quick ninth to secure his sixth save of the season.
— Offensively, the lone run of the game came off the bat of senior Greg Anderberg, as the transfer pushed a slow grounder to deep second one out into the third frame, opening the door for fellow transfer Basiel Williams to score from his position at third base.

UP NEXT
Following the key Saturday victory, the Red & Gray head into Sunday’s finale looking to lock down the series split with the Islanders, first pitch slated for 2 p.m. at Didier Field.

STAY SOCIAL
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