SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word dropped another tough game on Sunday to visiting Lone Star Conference rival Angelo State, 4-3 at Sullivan Field. (Box Score)

The game began on a good note for the Cardinals (16-11, 2-6).  Junior pitcher Alexis Garza (McAllen/McAllen HS) started the game on the mound for the first time in over three weeks.  He tossed 5.0 scoreless innings allowing two hits and two walks while striking out two.  At the plate, the first four batters reached base and UIW scored three times in the top of the first inning.

The score remained 3-0 until the top of the seventh inning when the Rams (18-10, 4-4) finally broke through.  Andrew LaCombe opened the inning by reaching base on a two-base error and scored on Ryan Greer's double double the right field line.  Two batters later Greer scored on a single by Reggie Rodriguez to make it a 3-2 game.

The Rams needed only three batters in the eighth inning to take the lead.  Christian Summers led off with a single and scored on Lee Neumann's triple.  LaCombe followed with a sacrifice fly that scored Neumann.

The Cardinals only managed one hit over the final six innings of the game as ASU relief pitcher Jake Albert tossed 7.2 scoreless innings after entering the game in the first inning.  Albert allowed three hits and two walks while striking out seven to earn the win. 

In the bottom of the ninth inning, ASU defensive replacement Tanner Kalina made a great diving catch in right field to prevent a potential triple by Ryan Pudwell (Lodi, CA/Lodi HS) that could have changed the complexion of the game.  Bryant Rutledge recorded the final four outs of the game for ASU to earn his second save of the weekend.

All four games of the series were decided by one run and the Cardinals have now played seven consecutive games decided by one run.  UIW is 1-6 in those games.

The Cardinals are back in action on Friday at 3 p.m. in a doubleheader against conference rival Cameron at Sullivan Field.
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