SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team dropped a 9-8 decision to Texas Southern on Friday at Sullivan Field.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Texas Southern jumped ahead early, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning, but the Cardinals responded in the bottom of the frame. Mark Whitehead scored on a bases-loaded balk. Kyle Bergeron then scored as Lee Thomas reached on a fielder's choice to knot the game at 2-2.
 
The Tigers regained the lead in the top of the third with an RBI single, but UIW answered in the bottom of the inning. Thomas hit a three-RBI bomb before Tyler Pettit's RBI single plated Ryan Gonzalez, giving UIW the 6-3 advantage.
 
Texas Southern scored five runs on four hits in the fourth before adding a run in the top of the fifth. Gonzalez blasted a solo home run in the bottom of the frame. Whitehead's RBI single plated Ryan Flores to cut the Tiger lead to 9-8, but Texas Southern held on for the victory.
 
LEADERS

• Gonzalez led the Cardinals, going 3-for-5 with two runs and an RBI, while Thomas was 2-for-5 with four RBI and a run. Whitehead was 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.
• Tyler Perez suffered the loss, throwing three strikeouts and allowing three runs in 3.0 innings pitched.

 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals take on Texas Southern in game two of the series Saturday at 2 p.m. (CT) at Sullivan Field.
 
STAY TUNED
UIW concludes the series against the Tigers on Sunday at Sullivan Field. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.
 
To purchase tickets, contact Ticket Sales Coordinator Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.
 
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