HAMMOND, La. (Interstat) — The Southeastern Louisiana Lions host the Nicholls State Colonels on Thursday, May 7, in a Southland Conference series opener at Pat Kenelly Diamond.

Southeastern Louisiana enters with a 29-19 record, while Nicholls State is 21-23.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nicholls State first baseman Caston Thompson has been a consistent run producer. In his last 10 games, Thompson has driven in eight runs, including a home run in Tuesday’s 21-6 loss at Mississippi State, where he went 1-for-3 with two RBIs. He also had two RBIs May 3 against New Orleans and recorded multiple hits in three of his last five starts.

Southeastern Louisiana right-hander Dakota Lee has been effective in relief. Over his last four outings spanning 5 2/3 innings, Lee has allowed one earned run while striking out four. He threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings Sunday in an 8-2 loss at Lamar, yielding no hits and striking out two.

RECENT RESULTS

The Colonels are coming off a 21-6 loss Tuesday at Mississippi State. Nicholls State has lost four of its last five games, including two of three at home against New Orleans last weekend.

The Lions dropped Sunday’s series finale 8-2 at Lamar, but won the first two games of that series 6-2 and 10-0. Southeastern Louisiana has won eight of its last 11 games.

SERIES NOTES

Thursday’s game begins a three-game Southland set. The teams also meet Friday and Saturday. Southeastern Louisiana sits atop the conference standings, while Nicholls State is fighting to improve its postseason positioning.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m.