TULSA, Okla. -- The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team utilized its powerful determination to take down Oral Roberts, 8-4, in a 10-inning battle to earn the series win on Saturday afternoon at J.L. Johnson Stadium.
 
NOTABLES

• Senior designated hitter Lee Thomas extended his hitting streak to nine games and his reached-base streak to 15 games – both dating back to the 2019 season.
• Junior first baseman Ryan Flores is the Cardinals Sports Network Player of the Game, recording the go-ahead RBI single in the ninth inning and notching two RBI in the 10th to lead the Cardinals to the 8-4 win.
• Junior center fielder Ridge Rogers had a 3-for-5 outing with a run and a RBI.
• Freshman shortstop Grant Smith has successfully reached base in all eight games as a Cardinal.
• Freshman right-handed starting pitcher Isaiah Zavala held the Golden Eagles scoreless on four hits while striking out three batters through six innings.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first inning, UIW showed off its wheels in the top of the second. Junior right fielder Drew Minter sprinted home from second base on a single to right field by Flores to give the Cardinals an early 1-0 lead. ORU threatened to score in the bottom of the frame as the first two batters reached on a walk and hit, but Zavala shut down the next three batters on two fly outs and a strikeout to get out of the inning.
 
The Cardinals extended their lead to 2-0 in the top of the third. Junior third baseman Grady Davenport blasted the first pitch he saw through the right side to bring in Thomas from second. UIW then tacked on another run in the top of the fourth to take a 3-0 advantage.
 
After two scoreless innings, the Golden Eagles got on the board in the bottom of the seventh to make the score 3-1, in favor of UIW. ORU then hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at 3-3. 
 
With two outs and runners on second and third in the top of the ninth, Flores swung through the first two pitches before lining the third pitch to a gap in left center to drive in Thomas and give the Cardinals the 4-3 lead. The Golden Eagles responded in the bottom of the frame, scoring a run to tie the game at 4-4.
 
UIW's momentum kept going as the game went into extra innings. The Cardinals jumped on pitches early in the 10th inning, getting the first two batters on. Senior catcher Kyle Bergeron then hit a sacrifice fly to left field to bring home Smith. Junior second baseman Andy Rodriguez came in to pinch hit and he walked, then stole second to put runners on second and third for senior third baseman Chance Medina. Medina took advantage of the runners in scoring position, blasting a single through the left side to drive in Rogers. With two outs and bases loaded, Flores delivered as he drilled a single to right field to drive in two more runs. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Michael Garza shut down ORU in order in the bottom half of the frame to secure the 8-4 victory for UIW.
 
RECORDS UPDATE
UIW: 6-3
ORU: 4-6
 
ON DECK
The Cardinals aim for the series sweep against Oral Roberts on Sunday. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. (CT) at J.L. Johnson Stadium.
 
FAN INVOLVEMENT
Click HERE to support the UIW baseball program through Dollars for Dingers and Kash for K's.
 
To purchase season memberships, contact UIW Director of Ticketing Alma Lara at 210-805-3012 or aylara@uiwtx.edu.
 
DUGOUT CLUB
Join UIW baseball's Dugout Club for exclusive benefits. Fans can find the form here. The form can be filled out and returned to Danielle Shedd at dshedd@uiwtx.edu.
 
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.
 
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