NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Friday was good to the University of the Incarnate Word baseball team as the squad clinched a series win over SFA with a 10-7, game-two victory at Jaycees Field.
 
HOW IT WAS WON
 
The Cardinals (18-11, 7-4 SLC) looked like they would run away with another one-sided win over the Lumberjacks (9-17, 3-5 SLC) after scoring a pair of runs in the second inning and three more in the third to take an early 5-0 lead.
 
Despite an impressive start, Friday's victory wouldn't come easily as SFA exploded for six runs in the bottom of the third to steal a 6-5 advantage.
 
UIW counter-punched in the fourth, tying the game with an RBI-single off the bat of Kyle Bergeron.
 
One inning later, the Cardinals capitalized on mistakes by the Lumberjacks to score three runs and recapture the lead. David Anaya led off with a single up the middle, before back-to-back walks loaded the bases. A wild pitch moved everyone up and allowed Anaya to come in. The following batter, Ryan Flores, cleared the bases with a two-RBI triple to right center.
 
SFA got one back in the bottom of the frame, taking advantage of a miscue by UIW to score on a wild pitch.
 
UIW added an insurance run in the seventh when Flores drove Ryan Gonzalez in with a single through the right side.
 
The Lumberjacks put a runner on in the ninth, but reliever Cody Allen struck out two and catcher Tyler Pettit retired the final batter, 1-3, to seal the victory.
 
LEADERS
 
Eight different Cardinals registered a hit on Friday, paced by Flores' 3-for-3 night. He contributed 4 RBIs and a run. Gonzalez finished 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored, while Bergeron went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run. Anaya hit 2-for-5 with 3 runs scored.
 
Jake Georgiades led SFA, batting 2-for-3 with a pair of runs.
 
Tyler Perez (2-0) earned the win, holding the Lumberjacks to just 1 run on 2 hits through 4.1 innings on the mound. He struck out 5 and walked 1. Allen was outstanding over the final 2.1 scoreless innings, striking out 3 and allowing just 1 hit.
 
Cole Ridgely (0-3) took the loss, surrendering 4 runs on 4 hits through 1.1 innings on the hill. He fanned 2 and walked 2.
 
NOTEABLES
 
Including Friday's game, UIW is 16-3 when scoring first. The Cardinals are 2-8 when their opponent scores first.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW will fight for a series sweep of SFA on Saturday at 1 p.m.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals host a three-game series with Texas Southern, beginning Friday at 6:30 p.m.
 
To purchase tickets to any UIW Athletics home event, contact Ticket Sales Coordinator Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.
 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow UIW Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.