SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word softball team won its last game at home against the Cardinals from Lamar. Though losing the series 1-2, the Cardinals were able to close out home play with an explosive win.  

Game 1 (0-9) 

The Cardinals struggled to come back after Lamar's offense exploded in the first inning, putting up six runs on the board. Three different UIW pitchers saw play to stop the scoring drive from the Beaumont Cardinals, but unfortunately couldn't get over the power brought on by Lamar.  

UIW collected a mere four hits as Maddison Guillen accounted for two. They only left a total of four runners on base but struggled to get on. Though no strikeouts were tallied by the Cardinals, Lamar's Aaliyah Ruiz strong showing was able to shutout our Cardinals. 

Game 2 (1-8) 

In the longest technical game for both Cardinal teams, Lamar took the win 8-1 over UIW. After a rain delay that pushed the match over into the next day from the sixth inning, the game finally finished after a total of 20 hours.  

All the way up into the fifth inning the score was tied at one. Both teams started hot as Lamar scored in the top of the first and UIW quickly answered back in the bottom. Getting her fifth home run of the year, Victoria Altamirano slammed a much-needed hit over the fence to bring home the single run for UIW. As the game went on, Madison Floyd pitched a fantastic next four innings before being pulled in the fifth.   

The momentum of the game shifted over to Lamar after loading the bases in the top of the fifth. Just as they were on the roll a lighting delay paused the game till 12 p.m. the next day (4/29). As play resumed, the Beaumont Cardinals didn't miss a beat as they scored the next seven runs to help close out their win over UIW.  

Including the home run by Altamirano, only two more Cardinals tabbed a hit during the game. Though in this match, UIW left six runners on base that could've made the match a much closer game.  

Game 3 (9-0) 

It seems that UIW was waiting to put all its hits in one showstopper of a game. In a 5- inning game shutout by pitcher Madison Floyd, the Cardinals beat Lamar 9-0.  

In the bottom of the first, UIW scored three runs off singles from Kendall McGary and Aaliyah Garcia. The momentum built for the Cardinals from this point set the tone for the rest of the game.  

As bats kept exploding, three more runs were scored by UIW in the second. Altamirano stepped up to the plate with only one out as Julia Cordon and Dariane Cram were on second and first. In five pitches, she walked and loaded the bases for Kendall McGary. In a sac groundout, McGary earned an RBI to bring home Cordon. After a passed ball, Cram and Altamirano both ran in too.  

Lamar saw a glimmer of hope in the third as they put two on base. Floyd was able to close it out for UIW as she forced a fly out to stop and further pursuit. On the offensive end UIW went three up, three down but again exploded in the bottom of the fourth.  

Three more Cardinals ran in to extend the lead for the run- rule win. UIW finished the outstanding game with nine runs on seven hits and no errors. The win was much needed for UIW.  

FOLLOW ALONG                               
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--UIW CARDINALS--