Tulane University’s baseball team lost 6-5 to Nicholls State University on Tuesday at Ray E. Didier Field in Thibodaux. This marks Tulane’s first loss at Nicholls since 2016.
In the ninth inning, Tulane put two runners on base but was unable to score, as the next three batters were retired, including two by strikeout.
Sam Larson took the loss for Tulane after giving up both the tying and go-ahead runs during his time on the mound. He struck out two batters. Starting pitcher Jake Toporek allowed two unearned runs over 2.1 innings and recorded three strikeouts. J.D. Rodriguez gave up two runs on three hits in relief, while Blaise Wilcenski pitched 2.1 innings out of the bullpen. Tom Vincent closed with a scoreless inning.
Kaikea Harrison led Tulane’s offense with two hits, two runs scored, and three RBIs. Jason Wachs had one hit and drove in two runs. Johnny Elliott and Bryson Ayala each contributed a hit and a run scored; Ayala’s hit was his first in college baseball.
Nicholls’ Cole Simoneaux earned the win, while Joseph Bordelon secured the save.
Tulane started strong with two runs in the first inning from a single by Wachs. Nicholls tied it in the third through a double steal and an RBI single by Nico Rijo-Berger, then took the lead in the fourth on a home run by Hudson Mattox.
The Green Wave regained control in the fifth when Harrison hit a three-run home run following consecutive hits from Elliott and Ayala, putting Tulane ahead 5-3. Nicholls responded with solo home runs from Caston Thompson in both the fifth and seventh innings; Thompson’s second homer provided what proved to be the game-winning runs.
Jason Wachs extended his on-base streak to 39 games—a personal best—dating back to last season and continuing through all 13 games this year. Tye Wood has also reached base safely in every game this season for Tulane.
Next, Tulane will travel to Fort Worth, Texas, for a series against TCU from March 6-8.
Tickets for upcoming baseball games are available by phone at 504-861-WAVE (9283), online at TulaneTix.com or at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center ticket office.
Supporters can contribute to student-athlete resources through donations to the Green Wave Club via phone at (504) 865‑5356, email at greenwaveclub@tulane.edu or online at GreenWaveClub.com.
