ABILENE, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team once again completed a come-from-behind effort with a 5-4 victory over Abilene Christian on Saturday afternoon at Crutcher Scott Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Cardinals (11-6, 2-0 SLC) didn't have a lead until the ninth inning, and all five of their runs in the game came with two outs. They were down 3-0 in the fourth inning, and with two outs,
Eddy Gonzalez scored on a wild pitch, and
Kyler Genenbacher hit a two-strike single to right field to drive in
Lee Thomas to cut the lead to 3-2.
The Wildcats (7-7, 0-2 SLC) responded with a run in the bottom of the fourth, but then the Cardinal bullpen came in and didn't allow a run the rest of the game.
Then in the eighth inning, the Cardiac Cards were at it again. Once again with two outs, UIW scored two runs to tie the game 4-4.
Kyle Bergeron hit a triple to score
Eddy Gonzalez, and Genenbacher then drove in Bergeron with another single.
All tied up in the ninth and having played 11 innings in game one, the Cardinals wanted to end it right then.
Tanner White stood at third base with two outs and two strikes on
David Anaya at the plate. Anaya took the 1-2 pitch and drove it to left field for a double and the game-winning run.
Ramon Salazar, who pitched 2.0 innings in the win, pitched the ninth and just like in game one, UIW pitching stranded the bases loaded to end the game.
Salazar moved to 3-1 after picking up the win. He pitched two scoreless innings and struck out two.
Bernie Martinez had a strong outing again, but had a no decision. He pitched 7.0 innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs (two unearned), and striking out five.
The Wildcats' Ryan Kotulek got credited with the loss and is now 2-1 on the year.
LEADERS
Genenbacher led the way with two hits and two RBI. Anaya and Bergeron each added an RBI with a hit each.
Eddy Gonzalez had a hit, a walk, and scored two runs.
For the Wildcats, Derek Scott collected three hits, drove in two and scored a run. He hit a solo homerun in the first inning.
UP NEXT
The Cardinals will look to complete the conference sweep with game three on Sunday at 1 p.m.
John Shull (1-1, 8.03) will get the ball for UIW, and the ACU starter has not yet been announced.
STAY TUNED
Following the weekend series, the Cardinals will host Central Arkansas for a three-game Southland Conference series at Sullivan Field next weekend.
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow UIW Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.
