SAN ANTONIO  -- Grant Smith hit a two-run home run late in the bottom of the ninth as the University of the Incarnate Word baseball team attempted a last-minute comeback against New Orleans, but fell short dropping a 5-4 decision on Friday night at Sullivan Field, sponsored by H-E-B. 

Starting on the mound for the red and black, Kayden Cassidy struck out the first two batters, which was then followed up by the Privateers' Pearce Howard hitting a single up the middle and advancing to second on a pass ball. UNO would go on to score off of Luther Woullard's double down the left-field line.

In the bottom of the first inning, the Cardinals responded as Grant Smith crossed the plate thanks to a Taylor Darden sac fly to right field. UIW's attempt to take the early lead fell short as three runners were stranded on base heading into the next inning.

In the second inning the Cardinals loaded the bases, but would end up leaving three on base once again.

In the top of the fourth UNO managed to load the bases on a sac-bunt error which led to two runs crossing the plate giving them the 3-1 lead.

The Privateers bat's kept working in the top of the fifth as they scored two more runs on four hits which led to a pitching change that saw Larry Westall taking the mound for Cassidy.

After a scoreless sixth inning, UIW added one run in the seventh when Lee Thomas walked, then moved to third off a double from Jordan McFarland, and eventually scored on a wild pitch to cut the lead, 5-2.

After Smith's bomb to bring the score within one run, Thomas' potential home run was robbed by the right fielder as it was caught over the fence. A close call at first would end UIW's run at the bottom of the ninth.

UP NEXT
The Cardinals continue the series in a doubleheader against New Orleans Saturday, April 17. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.