THIBODAUX, La. – The 2018 Nicholls State University baseball breakdown concludes Tuesday on Mardi Gras fittingly with the pitchers and catchers.
 
The Colonels must fill the production void left by the 2017 squad's Friday and Saturday starting pitchers, Cole Stapler (7-6, 3.44 ERA) and Mike Hanchar (4-4, 3.89 ERA). The veteran of this year's staff is senior lefty Alex Ernestine, last season's Sunday starter. Senior Cayden Hatcher made 11 starts last season but this season will serve as a late-relief option.
 
The starting rotation, according to pitching coach Zach Butler, will be rounded out by sophomore Bryan Taylor and junior-college transfers Parker White and Jacob Bedevian with graduate transfer Christian Bahlinger in the mix.  
 
Nicholls has a slew of experienced relief pitchers returning including senior Jarred Scott, junior Adam Tarver, redshirt sophomore Austin Bollinger and sophomore Zach Autin.
 
Scott made a "nice jump" this fall according to head coach Seth Thibodeaux. Tarver ranked third in the Southland Conference with eight saves. Bollinger posted the team's best ERA (1.99) in 18 appearances. Autin should see an increased role this season as he arguably has the best pitch selection among the group.
 
Freshman Cyle Clayton will make an immediate impact late in games. Junior-college transfers Trevor McKinley and Tucker Powell and freshman Brandon Andrews will also provide depth on the mound.
 
Butler on his staff: "This group has created an identity and a culture with how they prepare each day that embodies what it means to be a pitcher at Nicholls State University. Leading the way with the rotation will be senior Alex Ernestine who has pitched in big moments each year and brings veteran leadership to the staff. The backbone of the staff will be in the bullpen this year with key contributors from last year - Adam Tarver, Austin Bollinger and Jarred Scott. We have also moved Cayden Hatcher, who was an opening weekend starter last year with significant mound time, to the backend of the bullpen. One of the most exciting additions is freshman Cyle Clayton who will be pitching at the end of games as well."
 
Thibodeaux said during the fall that senior Kyle Knauth would make the move from first base to catcher. Knauth saw action behind the plate in four games last season and 12 contests in 2016. Other options there include junior-college transfer Landon Powell and sophomore Dillon Belle.
 
Assistant coach Ford Pemberton on Knauth: "Kyle is a left-handed hitting catcher that is a veteran for us in every sense of the word. He is a pure hitter that will bring some juice to the lineup. He's a very knowledgeable hitter and reliable base runner. Kyle will pick up where Alex Tucker left off behind the plate. He can really receive and throw and has become a tremendous blocker. He is a general when on the field and will serve as a team captain."
 
Pemberton on Powell: "Landon is a left-handed hitter that will be a force in the lineup. He is a guy that you look for ways to get in the lineup and has recently shown some versatility in playing a couple different positions. He brings a professional demeanor to the ballpark every day. He can hit to all fields and is very knowledgeable at the plate."
 
Pemberton on Belle: "Dillon is a left-handed hitting catcher that is made for our ballpark. He's a threat to heavily impact the baseball every time he is at the plate. Dillon has a great drive to continue improving his game and is constantly looking for ways to get better. He can really receive the baseball, and we will rely on him to catch in some big games this year."
 
Get your season or single-game tickets now by calling 985-448-4790 or visiting nichollstickets.com. Please click here for more information on joining the 2018 Nicholls Baseball Coaches Committee. Visit geauxcolonels.com for the most up-to-date information on Nicholls baseball. Be sure to follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_BASE.