NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – A pair of three-run homeruns by Kyle Thornell proved to be the difference in the game on Friday night at Jaycees Field as Stephen F. Austin defeated the University of the Incarnate Word, 7-1 in the first game of a three-game Southland Conference series.

UIW starting pitcher Bernie Martinez (Laredo/United HS) ran into trouble in the first inning when he walked the bases loaded and then a wild pitch scored the first run of the game.  With two outs, Thornell hit his first homer of the contest to make it 4-0 in favor of the Lumberjacks (18-20, 7-12).

The Cardinals (10-28, 3-13) put a run across on the top of the second inning.  Patrick Ledet walked a pair of batters and Robert Lopez (San Antonio/Brennan HS) came through with a two-out RBI single.  Unfortunately, that would be the final run of the game for the Incarnate Word.

In the third inning, the 'Jacks put the game out of reach with Thornell's second three-run homer of the game.

The Cardinals kept SFA off the board for the rest of the game thanks to three double plays.  Martinez pitched 7.0 innings allowing six hits, seven runs and five walks while striking out four in the loss.  Ledet improved to 4-1.  He tossed 7.0 innings and allowed three hits, one run and two walks while striking out seven.

The teams are back in action on Saturday at 2 p.m. for the second game of the series.
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