SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team begins its 2019 season this weekend, hosting Hofstra University in a four-game series at Daniel Sullivan Field sponsored by H-E-B. The first game is scheduled for Friday at 6:30 p.m. (CT).
 
THE GAMES
Friday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday (doubleheader), Feb. 16, at 1 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m.
 
THE CARDINALS- QUICK HITS

• In his first year as head coach, Patrick Hallmark led the program to its most overall (29) wins and most conference (13) wins -- and its first winning season -- since joining Division I and the Southland Conference.
• Sullivan Field, now sponsored by H-E-B, underwent renovations in the fall. Astroturf was installed in the infield, and the stadium received new backstops, netting, and other visual improvements.
• Ridge Rogers was selected Southland Conference Freshman of the Year after the 2018 season.
• Rogers was also named to the 2018 Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-America team, becoming the program's first All-American since joining Division I in 2014.
• Kyle Bergeron and Eddy Gonzalez earned preseason first-team All-SLC, while Ryan Flores earned preseason second-team All-SLC.
• Cody Allen was named to the NCBWA 2019 Stopper of the Year Preseason Watchlist.
• Bergeron was named to the Bobby Bragan Collegiate Slugger Award Watchlist.
• Every Cardinal hails from the Lone Star State.
• The Cardinals' entire starting rotation returns, and the team lost only one outfielder from the starting lineup.

 
 
SCOUTING THE HOFSTRA PRIDE

• Hofstra ended its 2018 season with a 23-23 record, finishing in sixth place in the Colonial Athletic Association with a 12-12 conference record.
• Hofstra head coach John Russo returns for his eighth season with the Pride, sporting a 151-199 record with the team.
• The Hofstra staff returns seven position starters and 10 pitchers, while welcoming 13 newcomers.
• Hofstra's Vito Friscia was named to the Preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association team.

 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals take part in the annual Alamo Irish Classic tournament against Notre Dame and Eastern Michigan at Wolff Stadium on Feb. 21-24. The tournament includes two matchups against Eastern Michigan and two matchups against Notre Dame.
 
FOLLOW ALONG
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