CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Interstat) — Dawson Richard and two relievers combined on a three-hit shutout as Nicholls State defeated Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 8-3 in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday.

Richard, the Colonels’ starter, was dominant over five innings, allowing no hits and striking out seven. The Islanders scored all three of their runs unearned, with Cade Sanchez driving in two.

Nicholls State broke open a 2-0 game with a six-run sixth inning, highlighted by Jaxon Milam’s RBI single and a two-run homer earlier in the game. Nico RijoBerger added two RBIs for the Colonels, who improved to 9-8. The Islanders fell to 8-8 and grounded into three double plays. Tyler Avery and Eli Waters finished the combined shutout effort for Nicholls State.