Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Visiting Hofstra University used a pair of key home runs to sweep a doubleheader from University of the Incarnate Word on Friday in college baseball action at Sullivan Field.  The Pride won the first game, 9-3 and took the second game, 4-2 in 12 innings.

The Cardinals (4-11) jumped out to an early lead in the first game when they got a two-out, two-run single by freshman Mark Whitehead (San Antonio/Johnson HS) in the bottom of the second inning.  The Pride (5-5) took the lead in the top of the third inning when Brian MacDonald hit a two-out grand slam over the 390-mark in left centerfield.

"The first game just got out of hand a little bit," said UIW head coach Dan Heep.  "We got an early lead, but couldn't hold it."

Hofstra scored two runs in both the fourth and fifth innings to take an 8-2 lead and they cruised to the win.  Nick Kozlowski earned the win allowing five hits, two runs and three walks.  He struck out five in 6.0 innings.  The Pride had five players with two hits apiece and finished with 12 hits in the game.

The Cardinals had six hits in the contest.  Whitehead went 2-for-3 with three runs batted in.  Jordan Scelfo (Tucson, AZ/Salpointe HS) hit a pinch-hit triple and scored a run.  Brandon Cogbill (Lake Dallas/Lake Dallas HS) took the loss after being thrust into a starting role when Alexis Garza (McAllen/McAllen HS) was a late scratch.

The second game was a pitcher's duel UIW starter Dylan Boss (Boerne/Boerne HS) and Hofstra's David Jesch locking up.  Boss went 7.0 innings allowing six hits, two walks and two runs while striking out six in a no-decision.  Similarly, Jesch scattered three hits and two walks in 7.0 innings while striking out six and allowing one run.

The Cardinals appeared headed for a 2-1 loss, but they rallied in the bottom of the ninth inning.  A leadoff walk was followed by a sacrifice hit and a single to put runners at first and third with one out.  Cody Moon (San Antonio/Reagan HS) hit a grounder to second base that was nearly turned into a double play, but the return throw pulled the first baseman off the bag and Sean Alonzo (San Antonio/Roosevelt HS) scampered home with the tying run.

"We fought back and we didn't give up, but that is what we are going to have to do," said Heep.  "Everyone is going to get a chance to play with the injuries we have."

The Cardinals had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the 10^th inning when they had two runners on base with one out, but they were unable to bring the winning run home.  UIW relief pitcher Kris Looper (Wharton/Wharton HS) held the visitors at bay with 4.0 shutout innings allowing just two hits while striking out two.  "Looper is very good," said Looper.  "You hate wasting an outing like that because he is probably done for tomorrow."

Matthew Decker (Hickory Creek/Lake Dallas HS) came on for the Cardinals in the 12^th inning.  After allowing a leadoff walk, he retired the next two batters before Matt Ford hit a two-run homer that proved to be the game winner.

Brett Schreiber earned the win for Hofstra after tossing the final 5.0 innings.  He allowed seven hits, one run and two walks while striking out one.

"Defensively, Hofstra is as good as I have seen," added Heep.  "That is major league stuff with their second baseman and shortstop.  We hit the ball all over, but they made all the plays look easy."

The two teams will play the final game of the series on Saturday at 11 a.m.
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