Hayden Nixon tossed 8 1/3 scoreless innings in relief but Sam Houston was unable to overcome a four-run first inning as they lost 4-3 to Nicholls in the series finale. The Bearkats, who won the series 2-to-1 over the Colonels, had 11 hits and left eight men on base.
The junior lefthander, Nixon, was called on in the first inning after Nicholls (12-10-1, 4-5 SLC) opened the game with four hits, including a three-run home run off of Ryan Brinley.
Nixon faced just two batters over the minimum, allowing two hits in his outing. He struck out three batters and didn't issue any free passes.
The Bearkats (12-13, 6-3 SLC) scored all three of their runs on four hits in the third inning. Third baseman Hunter Courson legged out an infield single and moved to second on a ground out by catcher Collin Yelich. The Colonels shortstop made a great play to cut down Yelich. Shortstop Miles Manning singled up the middle to put runners on the corners.
Center fielder Colt Atwood drove in the first run with a single up the middle. Second baseman Zach Smith followed with a double down the left field line to plate another run. The third run came across on a ground out by right fielder Bryce Johnson.
The three earned runs given up were a season-high for Nicholls' starter Justin Sinibaldi. The sophomore right-hander had previously allowed just three earned runs all season.
Sam Houston had plenty of chances to get more runs across but fell short.
Designated hitter Dylan Ebbs opened the fourth inning with a double into the gap in left-center field. But the Bearkats couldn't do anything with it.
The Colonels turned to reliever Ryan Deemes for the start of the sixth inning. With one out the senior right-hander issued a walk to Ebbs and hit first baseman Spence Rahm. Courson struck out swinging and Yelich flew out to right field to end the threat.
The Bearkats then loaded the bases with one out in the eighth but couldn't get a run across.
Yelich started the ninth inning with a single down the right field line and was sacrificed to second base. Atwood singled to right field but Yelich was unable to advance. The Bearkats then hit into their third double play of the game to end it.
Sam Houston will play a midweek series with No. 8 Rice this week. The Kats and Owls will square off at Reckling Park Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and at Don Sanders Stadium Wednesday also at 6:30 p.m.
