SAN ANTONIO– A couple of big innings for New Orleans led them to a 15-7 Southland Conference victory over the University of the Incarnate Word baseball team on Friday evening at Sullivan Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Both teams scored early and often. The Privateers got the ball rolling in the first with a run, but the Cardinals (17-26, 5-14 SLC) came right back and tied it when Kyler Genenbacher drove in a run with his first of four hits on the night.

With the scored tied up 3-3 in the fifth, UNO exploded for seven runs and seemed to put the game out of hand, but in the seventh inning, UIW made it interesting with four runs of their own. The big blow came from Lee Thomas, who hit a bases-clearing double to make it 11-7 and plenty of ballgame left.

The Privateers didn't allow the Cardinals to get any hope though, as they came back right away and added four more runs, thanks to a homer by Tristan Clarke—one of three UNO homers on the night—and two doubles Dakota Phillips and John Cable.

The winning pitcher for UNO was Shawn Semple, who tossed six innings and allowed three runs on eight hits, one walk and struck out eight. For UIW, John Shull took the loss, falling to 3-7 on the year.

LEADERS

The Cardinals collected 13 hits, but left nine runners on base. Genenbacher had himself a night at the plate, collecting four hits, a run, a triple, and two RBI. Thomas drove in three runs and hit two doubles, while Eddy Gonzalez collected three hits and drove in two. Leadoff hitter Mark Whitehead reached base safely in four of his five plate appearances. He had two hits, three runs, and walked twice.

For New Orleans, Aaron Palmer, John Cable, and Orynn Veillon all collected three hits apiece. Veillon hit two homers, and Clark hit his ninth homer of the season. In relief, Rafael Martinez threw two scoreless innings, scattering three hits and striking out one.

UP NEXT

Game two of the series is set for 3 p.m. tomorrow at Sullivan Field. Bernie Martinez will get the ball for UIW, and New Orleans will send Bryan Warzek to the mound.

STAY TUNED

The series will conclude on Sunday at 1 p.m. with Tyler Lesley scheduled to pitch for UIW, while UNO's starter has not been announced.

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