ABILENE, TEXAS – Heath Beasley's home run to lead off the bottom of the 12^th inning sent the University of the Incarnate Word baseball team home on the losing end of a 4-3 Southland Conference decision at Abilene Christian University on Thursday night.

The Cardinals (19-30, 10-18) jumped out to an early lead scoring two runs in the top of the first inning.  UIW took advantage of a passed ball and error.  Austin Hoffman (Goodyear, AZ/Millenium HS) drove in the first run with a single and Ethan McGill (Penn Valley, CA/Nevada Union HS) brought home the second run with a bases loaded walk.

The Wildcats (14-35, 12-16) got a run back in the third inning.  They took the lead in the fifth when Tyler Eager tripled home two runs to make it 3-2 ACU.

UIW was able to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning.  Colton Besett (Cedar Park/Vista Ridge HS) led off the inning with a double and scored on a single by Aaron Warren (Schertz/Wagner HS).

Following Eager's triple, the Cardinals were able to retire 20 consecutive batters before Beasley's home run abruptly ended the game.

Geno Encina (San Antonio/Brandeis HS) took a no-decision for the Cardinals on the mound.  He tossed 7.0 innings allowing six hits, three runs and two walks while striking out nine.  Matthew Decker (Hickory Creek/Lake Dallas HS) pitched a perfect eighth inning.  John Shull (San Antonio/Churchill HS) was tagged with the loss despite only allowing one hit and striking out three in 3.0 innings.

Thomas Altimont pitched well for the Wildcats and also took a no-decision.  He allowed five hits, two earned runs and one walk while striking out nine in 6.1 innings.  Kevin Sheets picked up the win with one shutout inning of relief.

The teams will play the second game of the series on Friday at 2 p.m.
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