SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – McNeese State's pitching staff combined to throw a four-hit shutout to take game two of the Southland Conference baseball series against the University of the Incarnate Word, 1-0 on Saturday at Sullivan Field.

It was a terrific pitcher's duel between John Shull (San Antonio/Churchill HS) for UIW and the Bryan King of McNeese.  The game remained 0-0 into the top of the sixth inning when the Cowboys finally broke through to score. After retiring the first two batters of the inning, Shull gave up a two-out, two-strike double to left field to Joe Provenzano.  The next hitter, Lewis Guilbeau, took what looked like strike three, but was called a ball.  Guilbeau took advantage of it and hit the next pitch into center field for the only run that would score all game.

Besides the one run, Shull was very effective for the Cardinals (4-15, 0-5 SLC). He pitched six innings allowing the one run on five hits, walked one and struck out five in the loss.  UIW tried to answer in the bottom of the sixth inning, but would be denied by the Cowboys (10-8, 3-2 SLC).  Austin Hoffman (Goodyear, AZ/Millenium HS) singled to right center with one out and moved to second on a wild pitch.  Christian Divelbiss (Yuba City, CA/Yuba City HS) hit a sharp single to left field and Hoffman was thrown out at the plate trying to score the tying run from second base.

King picked up the win after throwing six scoreless innings and only allowing four hits and two walks while striking out seven.  Trent Fontenot and Collin Kober threw the last three innings without allowing a run or a hit.  Kober picked up his fourth save of the season.

Lance Moszkowicz (Spring/Klein Collins HS) came on in relief of Shull in the seventh inning and tossed three scoreless innings.  He allowed two hits and a walk with one strike out.  Braden Martin (Andrews/Andrews HS) was the only Cardinal to reach base twice as he finished 1-for-2 with a walk.  Hoffman, Cory Duran (Lewisville/Lewisville HS) and Divelbiss collected the only other hits for UIW.

Game three of the series is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday at Sullivan Field. The projected starters are Tyler Lesley (San Antonio/Brandeis HS) for UIW and Austin Sanders for the Cowboys.
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