SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team picked up a series-finale victory over North Dakota State on Sunday, 6-2, behind timely hitting and a strong pitching performance from John Shull.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
After two scoreless innings, the Cardinals (2-2) got on the board in the third. With two outs, Mark Whitehead reached on an error by the first baseman. Whitehead continued on, lightly jogging to second base, where he was tagged out.
 
UIW briefly argued the call, explaining that the first base umpire had ruled defensive interference, but both teams eventually retreated to their respective dugouts.
 
After an umpire meeting, the call was overturned, interference was called on the Bison (2-2) and Whitehead was sent back to second base. The subsequent two batters, David Anaya and Eddy Gonzalez, each walked, before a Kyle Bergeron single to left scored the pair.
 
The Cardinals got into a jam in the fourth when NDSU loaded the bases. Head Coach Patrick Hallmark called John Shull out of the bullpen and with two outs, he fanned the final batter to end the inning.
 
In the seventh, Samuel Gutierrez registered a single to right field, advancing Sean Arnold to second. Two batters later, Shea Gutierrez notched his first career NCAA hit, launching a double to left that brought in two more runs. Gutierrez eventually scored on a wild pitch, making the score 5-0.
 
NDSU broke up the shutout with a solo home run in the eighth, and added an additional run before UIW could close out the frame.
 
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the inning, Whitehead drew an RBI walk that forced in Arnold and gave the Cardinals a 6-2 advantage.
 
The Bison put two runners on in the ninth, but Shull recorded a strikeout and a pair of fly outs to seal the win.
 
LEADERS
 
Arnold led the UIW offense with a 2-for-4 outing and two runs scored. Bergeron and Shea Gutierrez each hit 1-for 3 and drove in two runs. Gutierrez added a run of his own. Both Samuel Gutierrez and Gonzalez scored in the victory.
 
Mason Pierzchalski led NDSU with a 3-for-5 performance and a solo home run.

Shull (1-0) earned the win, tossing 5.1 innings with 6 strikeouts and no walks. He surrendered 2 runs on 7 hits.
 
Blake Tritch (0-1) took the loss, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits through 2.0 innings of work. He retired 1 batter and walked 2.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals will compete at Nelson Wolff Stadium, Feb. 22-24, in the Alamo Irish Classic. The tournament begins Thursday at 7 p.m. as UIW takes on host school Notre Dame. The Cardinals face 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.
 
STAY TUNED
    
UIW travels to College Station on Feb. 28 to face Texas A&M at 6:30 p.m.
 
To purchase tickets to any UIW Athletics home event, contact Ticket Sales Coordinator Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.
 
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.