SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team opens its 2022 season against Bradley University on Friday, Feb. 18, at 6:30 p.m. CT. The Braves will compete at Sullivan Field, sponsored by H-E-B, in a three-game series that continues Saturday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 20, at 1 p.m.
 
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QUICK HITS

• The Cardinals are led by head coach Ryan Shotzberger, who is in his third season at UIW.
• Two student-athletes were named to the Southland Conference Pre-Season All-Conference second team – Nixon Brannan and Grant Smith.
• Smith had a season-high three hits against Houston Baptist University and four RBIs against Prairie View A&M during the 2021 season. He finished his sophomore campaign with 55 hits and a batting average of .293.  
• Brannan came to UIW from North Central Texas College where he had a batting average of .296 with 32 hits and 29 runs through 32 games. 

 
HISTORY VS. BRADLEY

• The Cardinals are 4-0 against the Braves with the last matchup on Feb. 16, 2020.
• UIW topped Bradley, 19-9, in that contest.

 
SCOUTING THE BRAVES

• Bradley finished last season 20-22 overall and 12-10 in the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Connor O'Brien was recognized as one of the nation's top first baseman, placing among the top 20 in D1 Baseball's rankings. O'Brien was named to the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason first team.

 
HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST SEASON

• The Cardinals finished the 2021 season with a 21-28 record and were 17-23 in Southland Conference play.
• Grant Smith led UIW in RBI's with 38 and Ridge Rogers finished the season with a .236 batting average.
• Aaron Celestino and Michael Garza return to the mound for the Cardinals. Celestino had an ERA of 3.81 through 54 innings and Garza finished the season with an ERA of 5.58 through 61 innings.

 
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.  
Follow the team on Twitter and on Instagram @UIWbaseball.