ABILENE, Texas - After two thrilling come from behind victories, the University of the Incarnate Word bats went quiet Sunday afternoon, losing the third game of their Southland Conference opening series, 5-0 at Abilene Christian's Crutcher Scott Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Wildcats' (8-7, 1-2 SLC) starting pitcher Drew Hanson carried a no-hitter into the seventh, which was broken up by
Sean Arnold's solid single up the middle. Hanson walked seven and struck out four, but the Cardinals twice left the bases loaded without pushing a run across, and 10 total left on base.
John Shull had his second strong start in a row for the Cardinals (11-7, 2-1 SLC), keeping the game scoreless into the bottom of the fourth. A two-run home run by Wildcat first baseman Koby Claborn after an error, staked ACU to a 2-0 lead which they would not relinquish. Shull went five innings, yielding only one earned run. The Wildcats scored two more in the sixth on a lead-off walk, consecutive doubles by Luis Trevino and Russell Crippen, and a sacrifice fly by Claborn, who had three RBIs on the day. ACU added an insurance run in the seventh on an RBI double by Dalon Farkas
Jenner Jackson gave up two runs in relief,
Tyler Miller one in 2 1/3 innings of work, and
Austin Preiss pitched a scoreless 2/3.
LEADERS
Batting in the lead-off spot for the flu-stricken
Mark Whitehead, Freshman
Sean Arnold reached base three times with two walks and the lone Cardinal hit.
Lee Thomas also drew three walks, and
Garrett Terrell walked twice. The Cardinals defense was solid. Eddie Gonzalez made two fine running catches on the warning track in left field, and Shortstop
Bryce Shepherd fielded several tough chances flawlessly.
UP NEXT
After winning two of three on the road against the Wildcats, the 11-7 Cardinals will host the University of Central Arkansas in a three game Conference series at Sullivan Field Friday March 17 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday March 18 at 3 p.m., and Sunday March 19 at 1 p.m..
STAY TUNED
Following the weekend series, UIW will travel to face Texas A&M Corpus Christi on Tuesday March 21, at 6 p.m.
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.
