Niehaus homer propels Colonels to 5-4 extra-inning victory at HBU

OUSTON – Senior outfielder Chet Niehaus smashed a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the Nicholls State University baseball team scored three runs in the 11th to seal a 5-4 win over Houston Baptist University Friday night at Husky Field.

Niehaus’ slam to right field accounted for the first two runs since the second inning when HBU (6-12, 0-1 SLC) shortstop Tyler Depreta-Johnson roped a two-out single to center field that scored Jonathan Ducoff.

Nicholls (6-12, 2-2 SLC) starter Alex Ernestine posted his second consecutive quality start in the no decision. He fired 7.1 innings, allowing seven hits and two runs (one earned). Redshirt sophomore Austin Bollinger picked up his first win of the season, getting out of the 10th unscathed after being called upon with runners on first and second and none out. Graduate student Christian Bahlinger gave up back-to-back hits in the 11th before settling in for his first save.

Tied at three heading to the 11th, senior catcher Kyle Knauth smoked a double to right-center field, scoring Niehaus who singled to lead off the frame. With the bases loaded, senior outfielder Lee Clark walked, and sophomore designated hitter Dillon Belle was hit by a pitch to hand the Colonels two more insurance runs.

Niehaus finished with three hits, two runs and two RBIs. Freshman outfielder Xane Washington also notched two hits.

The series schedule has been shifted due to weather. The two teams will conclude the series Saturday in an 11 a.m. doubleheader.

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