SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team secured its first Southland Conference series sweep with an 11-4 win over Northwestern State University (NSU) in the series finale on Sunday, April 10, at Sullivan Field, sponsored by H-E-B. 

Ridge Rogers went 3-for-5 with three RBIs to secure his 200th career hit, while Nixon Brannan had three RBIs of his own.  

The Cardinals saw just six NSU batters through the first two innings, but a solo home run handed the Demons a 1-0 edge in the third. 

Roberto Gonzalez tied the game up in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single (1-1).

Two NSU runs in the fourth put UIW down two (3-1), but Rogers smacked an RBI-triple down the right field line to put the Cardinals within one, then snuck home following a sacrifice fly to tie the game, 3-3. Jimmy De Leon capped off the fourth frame with solo homer to give the Cardinals back the lead (4-3).

UIW's bats exploded in the bottom of the fifth. Grant Smith lined out to right field to bring in Braxton Gerek before Hernan Yanez scored off a single from Brannan. The Demons walked Wilson Ehrhardt with the bases loaded to bring the score to 8-3. 

NSU hit another home run in the top of the seventh, but De Leon reached home in the bottom of the inning as the Cardinals took a 9-4 advantage. 

In the eighth, Rogers belted a two-RBI homer to give UIW a commanding 11-4 lead as the Cardinals cruised to a victory. 

UP NEXT
The Cardinals host a midweek game against Tarleton State University on Tuesday, April 12. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. CT at Sullivan Field, sponsored by H-E-B. 
 
OUTSIDE FOOD AND DRINK:
In accordance with university rules and TABC laws, fans are not permitted to bring any outside food or drinks, including alcoholic beverages, into ticketed UIW Athletic events. Containers such as bottles, cans, thermos bottles, ice chests or plastic coolers are also not permitted for the safety and protection of our guests. UIW Athletics offers a wide variety of food and beverages at our on-site concessions stands. 
 
PETS:
For the safety of the student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans, no pets (leashed or unleashed), with the exception of service animals, are allowed at UIW Athletic events. 

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.