SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team opened its 2019 season with a 9-1 victory over Hofstra on Friday night at Sullivan Field Sponsored by H-E-B.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Cardinals took the lead in the bottom of the second frame. A double steal and a Hofstra error brought Jordan Thompson home to give UIW a 1-0 lead. Ryan Gonzalez then hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Ridge Rogers, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead after two innings.
 
UIW kept the momentum going in the bottom of the third. After Taylor Smith reached on a fielder's choice, Sean Arnold tripled and drove him home. Antonio Valdez singled to shortstop, scoring Arnold and putting the Cardinals up 4-0.
 
The Cardinals extended their lead 5-0 in the bottom of the seventh when Kyle Bergeron scored off a Hofstra error.
 
UIW tacked on four more runs in the bottom of the eighth. Thompson drove in Shea Gutierrez with a single to left field, and R. Gonzalez hit a three-run blast to give UIW a 9-0 lead.
 
Hofstra scored a run in the top of the ninth for the final score of 9-1.
 
NOTABLES

• Eddy Gonzalez extended his hitting streak to 16 games (dating back to the 2018 season).
• R. Gonzalez led the Cardinals with 4 RBI.
• Luke Taggart recorded 10 strikeouts and held Hofstra scoreless through 7 innings pitched.

 
UP NEXT
UIW returns to Sullivan Field sponsored by H-E-B on Saturday for a 1 p.m. (CT) doubleheader against Hofstra. The Cardinals conclude the four-game series against Hofstra on Sunday at 1 p.m.
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.