Nicholls clinches weekend series behind twin bill sweep of LIU

THIBODAUX, La. — Bolstered by a season-best offensive performance in game one and a shutdown pitching showcase in the second, the Nicholls State University baseball program (6-6, 0-0 Southland) managed to even the team’s 2020 record behind a doubleheader sweep of LIU (2-6, 0-0 NEC) on Sunday afternoon, sealing a 3-1 series victory over the Sharks at Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field.

Despite trailing by one entering the squad’s first at-bat, the Red & Gray orchestrated an offensive explosion throughout the eventual blowout, recording a season-high 12 runs — eight across the initial three frames along with another four in the final two innings — to pull ahead in the previously tied series.

The second matchup proved much closer, however, as Sharks starter Alec Huertas tossed a gritty eight-inning complete game, quieting the Red & Gray offense every frame save the first (three runs scored). For Nicholls, LHP Tyler Theriot (2-1) built on his already-impressive résumé this season, working a tough 6.0 innings on the mound as the Colonels held off a late LIU rally for the 3-2 victory.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
— With the pair of wins, the Colonels improve to an even 6-6 record on the year while LIU falls to a 2-6 mark.
— While Theriot secured the late-Sunday win, fellow sophomore Nick Heckman (1-0) put together his best start of the 2020 campaign across 7.0 innings in game one, completely shutting down the Sharks after surrendering a lone run the opening frame. Notably, the right-hander struck out four while allowing just five hits with a pair of walks.
— Out of the pen, LHP Beau Balado notched a 1.1 frames in early relief for Theriot midway through the second contest; meanwhile, closer Joe Taylor captured his third save of the year off just 10 pitches in the ninth, retiring the side on a strikeout, a line out to first and a foul pop-up behind the plate.
— Offensively, freshman Brayden Jobert paved the way for the Colonels behind five total hits, four RBIs and three runs scored, not to mention a devastating three-run bomb over the right-field wall early in the opening contest.
— At the plate, five other Colonels posted a multi-hit day, including: Ivan Prejean (2), Erick Hernandez (2), Justin Ory (2), Xane Washington (2) and Mason Turner (2). Notably, Turner picked up the Red & Gray’s lone RBI of the second contest, driving Jobert home on a single up the middle.

UP NEXT
The Red & Gray close out the final contest of the 13-game home opening stretch with the team’s second midweek contest, hosting Valparaiso on Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m. at Didier Field.