NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team extended its winning streak to six games and completed its third series sweep of the year on Saturday with a 7-3 series finale victory over Stephen F. Austin at Jaycees Field.
 
HOW IT WAS WON
 
For the 20^th time this season and sixth time in as many games, the Cardinals (19-11, 8-4 SLC) scored first, taking advantage of a shaky start by the Lumberjacks (9-18, 3-6 SLC) to score two runs in the first inning, despite not registering a hit. Mark Whitehead, Kyle Bergeron and Eddy Gonzalez drew consecutive walks, before a David Anaya ground out sent Whitehead home. Ridge Rogers loaded the bases with another walk, before Lee Thomas drove Bergeron in on a fielder's choice and gave UIW a 2-0 advantage.
 
The Cardinals doubled their lead in the fifth with RBI singles from Gonzalez and Rogers.
 
SFA broke up the shutout in the bottom of the inning and made it a 4-1 game with an RBI single of their own.
 
Sean Arnold gave UIW some breathing room in the sixth with a three-run home run that cleared the left field wall.
 
The Lumberjacks made things interesting in the ninth, loading the bases with only one out. SFA notched a two-RBI single to center and loaded the bases again with a two-out walk, but a 3-1 ground out ended the rally.
 
LEADERS
 
Arnold finished 2-for-3 with a three-run home run to pace the Cardinals offensively. Gonzalez and Thomas each hit 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run. Rogers batted 1-for-4 with an RBI, while Ryan Flores went 1-for-2 with a run scored.
 
Eric DeJesus led the Lumberjacks with a 3-for-4 day, 2 RBIs and a run.
 
Bernie Martinez (4-2) earned the win, allowing 3 runs on 11 hits in a complete-game performance from the mound. He walked 3 and struck out 2.
 
Trevor Kiminski (1-3) took the loss, surrendering 5 runs on 4 hits through 5.0 innings on the hill. He walked 5 without registering a strikeout.
 
NOTEABLES
 
Including Friday's game, UIW is 17-3 when scoring first. The Cardinals are 2-8 when their opponent scores first.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW opens a seven-game home stand with a weekend series against Texas Southern, beginning Friday at 6:30 p.m.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals welcome Prairie View A&M for a midweek battle at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 10.
 
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.