Thibodaux, LA – For the second time in three games, the Pioneers lost on a walk off hit. This time, a base hit by Nicholls State right fielder Mike Barba in the bottom of the ninth inning took down the Pioneers, 3-2, Friday night at Ray E. Didier field. Sacred Heart rallied with two outs in the top of the ninth with two singles and two hit by pitches to tie the game up at two before falling in the bottom of the inning.

Nicholls State was able to take 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Barba began the rally for the Colonels with a single to left field before scoring the game's first run on a B. Jackson double down the right field line. A Cody Dufrene ground out to third base, scoring Philip Lyons allowed Nicholls State to take the 2-0 lead.

Sacred Heart cut the lead in half in the eighth inning. Jonathan Servilla (Fairfield, CT) was hit by a pitch to start the inning before stealing second base and coming around on a John Murphy (Seymour, CT) base hit up the middle.

Down to their final out in the ninth inning, Rocco Gondek (Glastonbury, CT) singled up the middle to keep the Pioneers alive. Derick Horn (Valatie, NY) followed up with a single of his own to keep the rally going. Jesus Medina was hit by pitch to load the bases up with two outs. Jonathan Servilla was then hit by another pitch, allowing Kenny Byram (Ponte Vedra, FL), who pinch ran for Gondek, to come around to tie the game up at two. 

Derick Horn led the way for the Pioneers going three for four at the plate in the loss.

Kody Kerski (Waterbury, CT) pitched six innings in the start for the Pioneers, giving up two runs on four hits. Dan Wertz (Cross River, NY) was impressive in following Kerski in relief, allowing no hits in a scoreless two innings.

Sacred Heart and Nicholls State are right back at it tomorrow night. First pitch slated for 8 PM.

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