SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team split its season-opening doubleheader with North Dakota State on Friday, dropping an 8-2 decision in game one, before a thrilling 2-1 victory in game two.
 
GAME ONE
 
The Cardinals can look to a number of missed opportunities that cost them a season-opening victory. UIW went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position, left nine runners stranded, and grounded into three double-plays in game one.
 
The Bison scored first on Friday, taking advantage of two singles, a double and a sacrifice fly to secure a 2-0 lead in the opening frame.
 
With two runners on, no outs and a full count in the third, NDSU appeared to be on its way to additional runs, but Bernie Martinez picked off the lead runner, before striking out consecutive batters to escape the inning unscathed.
 
The Cardinals got on the board in the fourth inning after David Anaya walked, advanced to second on a Kyle Bergeron single, moved to third on a sac bunt from Eddy Gonzalez and came home when Garrett Terrell reach on an error to short.
 
NDSU immediately countered with a pair of runs in the fifth.
 
In the bottom of the frame, Mark Whitehead drew a leadoff walk, advanced to second on a Sean Arnold single, moved to third on a Lee Thomas walk and scored on a sac fly by Anaya.
 
The Bison padded their lead in the eighth, driving in a pair of runs to grab a 6-2 advantage.
 
LEADERS
 
Arnold led the UIW offense with a 2-for-4 outing. Anaya and Terrell each contributed an RBI in the loss.
 
Drew Fearing went 2-for-4 at the plate, with a pair of runs and an RBI to pace NDSU.
 
Martinez (0-1) took the loss, surrendering 4 runs on 6 hits through 6.0 innings. He retired 7 batters, with only 1 walk.
 
Riley Johnson (1-0) earned the win, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits through 5.0 innings on the mound. He struck out 3 batters and walked 6. Chris Choles picked up the save, tossing 4.0 scoreless innings, allowing only 2 hits. He walked 1 batter and struck out 2.
 
GAME TWO
 
After pitching duel through five innings, the Cardinals broke up the stalemate with a run in the sixth. Whitehead was hit by a pitch, advanced to second on an Anaya walk and stole third, before a Bergeron sac fly to center sent him home.
 
UIW's lead was short-lived, as the Bison tied the ballgame in the seventh with a sac fly of their own.
 
The Cardinals recaptured the lead after the stretch with a series of patient at-bats. UIW drew three walks to load the bases for Whitehead. After falling behind, 2-0, Whitehead drew four consecutive balls to force in Ridge Rogers with an RBI walk.
 
NDSU fought back with a leadoff single and sac bunt to open the eighth. The subsequent batter flied out to right field, where Whitehead made an incredible grab on a dead run to prevent the base runner on second from advancing home. Relief pitcher John Shull struck out the next batter, and the Cardinals escaped the inning without incident.
 
The Bison put a leadoff runner on again in the ninth inning, taking advantage of a UIW error, but the Cardinals forced two fly outs and a line out to seal the win.
 
LEADERS
 
Rodgers went 1-for-1 and scored the game-winning run for UIW. Whitehead and Bergeron each notched an RBI in the victory.
 
Jayse Mclean led NDSU with a 1-for-4 performance in game two.
 
UP NEXT

The Cardinals and Bison return to action tomorrow at 1 p.m. Game four is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday.

STAY TUNED

UIW will compete at Nelson Wolff Stadium, Feb. 22-24, in the Alamo Irish Classic. The tournament begins Thursday at 7 p.m. as the Cardinals take on host school Notre Dame. UIW faces Purdue at 4 p.m. on Friday, before a bout with Saint Louis at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday's matchups, including the tournament championship, will be determined by the preceding games.
 
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