Box Score
THIBODAUX, La. – The Sam Houston State Bearkats exploded for seven early runs on their way to an 8-4 win over Nicholls on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Ray E. Didier Field.
The Kats (22-7, 10-0 SLC) kept their perfect league record in tact with the win, picking up their seventh straight victory over the past three seasons over the Colonels (10-20, 4-6 SLC) and moved to 10-0 in the SLC for the second straight year.
Nick Mikolajchak continued to look strong as a starter, getting the nod to open a series for the first time and taking advantage of it. He used a career-high 99 pitches to go 6.0 strong innings for the second straight game, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out five and walking just one.
From there, Dakota Mills went the rest of the way for his sixth save of the year. He struck out four and walked one in the 3.0-inning save, only allowing a pair of runs in the ninth after entering the game with a six-run advantage.
Meanwhile, the Bearkat offense struck early against Nicholls starter Alex Ernestine, handing him his third loss in five decisions this season. Sam Houston totaled 11 hits on the night, led by a 3-for-4 night from Andrew Fregia that included a two-RBI triple in the Kats' three-run second inning.
Blake Chisolm scored three times and hit safely twice while Ben Haefner added a pair of RBI.
UP NEXT
Sam Houston will try to clinch its fourth straight league series to open the year on Saturday with first pitch set for 6 p.m. from Didier Field. Hayden Wesneski is set to get the ball for the Kats against Colonel righty Cayden Hatcher.
KEY INNINGS
Bottom 1st
After Ernestine set the Kats down in order in the first, the Colonels gave him an early lead with a run off of Mikolajchak. The Bearkat starter hit leadoff man Ethan Valdez to open the game and two batters later Kyle Knauth made it a 1-0 Nicholls lead as he lined an RBI double over the head of center fielder Eric Bohnert.
Top 2nd
But Ernestine would not have as much good fortune the second time the Bearkats saw him as they struck for three singles and took advantage of a pair of walks to go up 3-1. Chisolm and Fregia each reached to start the inning and after a single from Jordan Cannon loaded the bases, Ben Haefner picked up his first RBI of the night with a walk that knotted the game at 1-1. Chase Cryer then beat out an inning-ending double play for an RBI fielder's choice, keeping the inning alive for Bohnert who brought home the third run of the inning one batter later with a single to left.
Top 3rd
Sam Houston broke it open an inning later, plating four more off of Ernestine on five hits. Each of the first four Kats hit safely in the inning, including Fregia who tripled home both Hearn and Chisolm to make it a 5-1 lead. Harp would follow the triple with an RBI single of his own and two batters later Haefner drove home his second run of the game, dumping a single into left field to score Harp.
QUOTABLES
Coach Matt Deggs on the win at Nicholls …
“I thought we played well offensively and were able to jump out to a big lead, which allowed Miko to settle in and I thought he pitched it really well. Then Dakota did what you do in that spot, and that is pitch with a lead. I know they got to him a little bit, but that's common for a closer when he's got a big lead. His job right there was to just throw strikes and that's what he did. We defended it extremely well tonight and if we make a play on a drag bunt earlier, it's a perfect night defensively. We played some really good Pack baseball and it was a really good tone-setter for the series.”
Deggs expanding on the win setting the tone for the weekend …
“It's always good, especially in the league, to get that first one. That allows you to really settle in a little bit. Our kids like playing here. We all came here two years ago and had a great experience. That is a good ball club over there. They are well-coached and are going to fight. You saw that all the way to the bitter end there, when things could've gotten hairy in the last inning.”
Deggs on the focus of the group to start quickly on Friday night …
“Our kids love to play. And when the kids' passion comes close to matching the coaches' passion, which it does on this ball club, you've got a chance. Everyone on this club loves to coach and play and just enjoys being around each other. So, we expect that every single day.”
Deggs on Nick Mikolajchak's second straight quality start …
“He's rock solid because he doesn't give you anything. You have to beat him. And on a night like tonight, with the wind blowing in, he was able to pitch them to the big part of the ballpark. He was able to get some early outs in the air and that was gigantic for him.”
