THIBODAUX, La. – In the rubber match of the three-game Southland Conference series, Nicholls used a late inning comeback to escape with a 9-8 win over the University of the Incarnate Word baseball team on Saturday at Ray E. Didier Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Cardinals (16-20, 5-10 SLC) jumped out ahead thanks to big offensive production from a number of guys. They outhit Nicholls 15-13, but lost the battle that counts.
UIW held a wide lead of 7-1 going into the fourth inning. They added four in the top of the fourth thanks in part to a bases loaded double that scored two, and the third runner was cut down trying to score. Sean Arnold and David Anaya also contributed with RBI that inning.

But then Nicholls (20-18, 7-8 SLC) started climbing back. They scored one in the fourth and then made it 7-6 with four runs in the fifth inning. The Cardinals then added to their lead with a run in the sixth, thanks to an RBI single from Garrett Terrell.

UIW's bullpen was a big part of their win last night, but today played out differently. Three relievers pitched the last four innings and allowed five runs to score. With an 8-6 lead for the Cardinals in the seventh inning, the Colonels had one more comeback left in them. Alex Tucker drove in two runs to tie in the seventh inning with a double down the left field line, and Chad Niehaus later drove in the winning run in the eight with a double to right field.

Starter Tyler Lesley pitched four innings and allowed three earned runs and one unearned. After picking up the save in game two, Lance Moszkowicz got tabbed with the loss, while the Colonels' Adam Tarver earned the win with four terrific innings in relief. He only allowed one unearned run, four hits, no walks and struck out four for his seventh win of the season.

LEADERS

David Anaya led the way for UIW. He had three hits, a walk, two RBI and two runs. Sean Arnold had two hits, two RBI and scored one, while Lee Thomas finished with two RBI, a double and a run scored. Bryce Shepherd finished 2-for-3, with two runs scored, and RBI, and a walk.

For the Colonels, Niehaus led the offense with three RBI on two hits and added a run. Joey Morales finished with three hits, two RBI and a run, while Tucker added two hits and drove in two.

UP NEXT

Next for UIW is a non-conference game against the Roadrunners on Tuesday at UTSA at 6 p.m.

STAY TUNED

After the mid-week game, the Cardinals will host Houston Baptist for a conference series on Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. at Sullivan Field.

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