THIBODAUX, La. – Lamar University jumped out to an early 2-0 lead but ran into trouble in the fourth and fifth inning as Nicholls rallied for a 5-2 victory Tuesday evening at Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray Didier Field.
 
The Cardinals scored their two runs on seven hits, while Nicholls plated five runs on six hits. Both teams finished the game with three errors on the night.
 
Sophomore Josh Ekness got the start and gave the Cardinals 3.0 scoreless innings of one-hit baseball. He struck out five batters, while walking only one. Ekness gave way to Landon Odom in the fourth and pitched a 1.1 before being relieved. Odom was hurt by errors as he surrendered four runs – all unearned – during his outing. Odom took the loss falling to 0-3 on the season.
 
Nicholls started Josh Mancuso, who earned the victory after pitching 7.0, giving up two runs – one earned – on five hits.
 
Three Cardinals collected two hits Tuesday. Both Kevin Bermudez and Ryan Snell went 2-for-4, while Kelby Weyler was 2-for-3 at the plate.
 
The Cardinals opened the game by getting their first two batters aboard. Bermudez led off the inning with a single to center and Chase Kemp reached on an error by the Colonels' first baseman. After being sacrificed over to second and third, Snell drove them home on a single up the middle.
 
Ekness kept the Colonels' offense in check for 3.0 innings. He allowed just one hit during that stretch while striking out five and walking one. LU kept their hosts off the scoreboard until the fourth inning when Nicholls started a two-out rally. The Colonels were able to tie the game on a hit, a walk and taking advantage of LU error.
 
The Colonels took the lead in the next inning as they were once again aided by miscues in the field. Nicholls got a leadoff hit from Parker Coddou. The Colonel hit was followed by two errors to plate the go-ahead run. Nicholls tacked on two more in the inning to take a 5-2 lead. LU was unable to push across another run after Nicholls took the lead.
 
The Cardinals will be back in action Friday when they return home to open a three-game series against Abilene Christian. First pitch Friday is slated for 6 p.m. from Vincent-Beck Stadium.