SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team split day two against South Dakota State University with a 6-4 loss in the first game and a 1-0 victory in the second at Sullivan Field, sponsored by H-E-B. The Cardinals won the series, 2-1. 
 
UIW registered 12 hits on the day. Grant Smith recorded two doubles in the first matchup and led the Cardinal offensive attack with three hits on the day. Hernan Yanez, Ridge Rogers and Roberto Gonzalez finished with two hits apiece. Smith, Yanez, Gonzalez and Rogers all collected an RBI through the two games. 
 
Game one 
 
The Jackrabbits brought in two runs off two hits to pull ahead 2-0 in the top of the second. SDSU struck again with a grand slam to bring the score to 6-0 in the top of the third.
 
In the top of the fourth, Gonzalez reached first on a fielder's choice that forced a SDSU error with the bases loaded, bringing home two runners for the Cardinals (6-2). 
 
At the start of the fifth inning, UIW completed a double play to bring about the middle of the inning. Smith stepped to the plate and doubled to left center to bring in Jacob Rosales (6-3). Smith once more doubled down the left field line in the bottom of the seventh. Then Yanez hit an RBI single to bring him home, cutting the lead to two (6-4).  
 
Kaddin Mikulik entered the game in the top of the ninth with three up, three down, but the Jackrabbits took the game, 6-4. 
 
Game two 
 
Michael Garza picked up an edge in a pitcher's duel in his first appearance this season. He faced two over the minimum in his seven scoreless innings pitched, allowing just two hits while recording seven strikeouts. 
 
Alec Carr singled to right field then stole second base in the bottom of the second inning. Rogers followed with an RBI double to left center field (1-0). 
 
Seth Higdon struck out three swinging after entering the game in the top of the eighth. Chandler David closed out the game as the Cardinals won, 1-0, to ultimately win the series, 2-1. 
 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals host Abilene Christian University at Sullivan Field, sponsored by H-E-B, on Wednesday, March 2, at 4 p.m. CT. Tickets can be purchased here. 
 
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.  
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