ABILENE, Texas – Abilene Christian broke a scoreless tie with a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth, then added more runs in the fifth and sixth to run-rule the University of the Incarnate Word, 8-0, in six innings Friday evening from Poly Wells Field.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
It was a pitcher's duel between UIW's (12-22 overall, 5-11 SLC) Breanna Hernandez and ACU's (15-20, 8-8) Hannah Null, as there were four combined hits through three innings – three by UIW.
 
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they would not register another hit for the final three innings of the ball game.
 
Peyton Hedrick's two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth gave the Wildcats a 2-0 lead. A four-run fifth put the game out of reach. ACU added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth to shorten the game.
 
LEADERS

Angel Villanueva had two of the Cardinals' three hits, going 2-for-3. Mackenzie Stark registered the other hit. Hernandez (4-8) took the loss in the circle, as she allowed seven hits and six runs while striking out two in 4.1 innings. Jessica Rodriguez, who hadn't played in several games, pitched the final 2.2 innings and gave up five hits, two runs, and one walk while striking out one.
 
Five different Wildcats had a two-hit game, including the first four batters in the lineup. Hadrick and Braegan Hamilton each had two RBIs. Null (12-10) earned the win in the circle, as she allowed three hits and zero walks while striking out four.
 
UP NEXT

The Cardinals and Wildcats conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader tomorrow beginning at noon.

STAY TUNED

The Cardinals host Texas State next Wednesday, Apr. 18 at 6 p.m.

To purchase tickets, contact Ticket Sales Coordinator Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.
 
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