SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team cut a five-run Nicholls State University lead to one late in the game, but the Colonels took game three, 8-7, at Sullivan Field, sponsored by H-E-B on Sunday afternoon. 
 
Grant Smith finished the day with four RBIs and two hits. Roberto Gonzalez, Nixon Brannan, Taylor Darden, Jimmy De Leon and Alec Carr all racked up two hits apiece.
 
A two-run homer from Smith in the third inning cut the Colonels' edge to 4-2. Gonzalez dropped the ball over the center fielder's head for a triple, then Brannan brought Gonzalez home to come within one run (4-3).
 
Two solo Nicholls home runs in the fifth and two RBI singles in the sixth extended the Colonel lead to 8-3.
 
Brannan singled to left center, stole second, then reached home off a single from De Leon in the eighth frame to bring the score to 8-4. De Leon scored to cut the lead once more (8-5) and Smith put the ball into play with the bases loaded for a two RBI single (8-7).
 
The bases were loaded with Colonels in the top of the ninth when Steve Hayward struck out the batter swinging to head into the bottom of the inning, but Nicholls won the game, 8-7.
 
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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. 
 
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UP NEXT 
The Cardinals head to a midweek matchup at Baylor University at 6:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, April 26.

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