Alabama
THIBODAUX, La. (02/17/2026) — The South Alabama Jaguars held off a late surge from the Nicholls Colonels to secure a 7-5 victory on the road Tuesday night at Ben Meyer Diamond at Ray E. Didier Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Jaguars jumped out to an early lead, plating a run in the first inning when Stewart Puckett delivered an RBI single. South Alabama extended its advantage in the third inning as Duncan Mathews laced an RBI double, making it a 2-0 game.
Nicholls got on the board in the fourth with an RBI single from Clayton Pourciau to cut the deficit to 2-1. However, South Alabama's offense came alive in the middle innings. Michael Young launched a solo home run in the sixth, sparking a four-run frame for the Jaguars. Later in the inning, with the bases loaded, Puckett drove in two more runs with a single, pushing the South Alabama lead to 6-1. An Ethan Melton sacrifice fly in the seventh added another run for the Jaguars, making it 7-1.
The Colonels mounted a significant comeback in the bottom of the eighth inning, scoring four runs to tighten the contest. Keegan Giger provided the big hit with a three-run single that brought Nicholls within two runs at 7-5. However, the Jaguars' pitching staff was able to close the door in the ninth, preserving the win.
TURNING POINT
The pivotal moment of the game was South Alabama's four-run sixth inning. After Nicholls had cut the lead to one, the Jaguars' offense responded decisively. Michael Young's solo home run ignited the rally, and Stewart Puckett's two-run single capped the inning, giving South Alabama a commanding 6-1 lead that proved just large enough to withstand the Colonels' late-game heroics.
STAR OF THE GAME
Stewart Puckett was a key offensive force for the South Alabama Jaguars. His RBI single in the first inning gave the Jaguars a lead they would never relinquish, and his two-run single in the sixth inning proved to be the decisive blow, providing crucial insurance runs. Puckett's timely hitting was instrumental in South Alabama's victory.
WHAT IT MEANS
For the South Alabama Jaguars, the road win provides a solid midweek victory and continues their early-season momentum. The ability of the offense to produce a big inning was a clear positive for the Jaguars as they head further into their non-conference schedule.
The Nicholls Colonels, despite the loss, showed resilience with their four-run eighth inning. The late-game rally could serve as a confidence builder for their offense as they continue to search for their first win of the season.