Box Score LAKE CHARLES, La. – The University of the Incarnate Word baseball team ended the 2023 season at the Southland Conference Tournament on Thursday afternoon following a 3-0 loss to McNeese State University.
 
Jamey Richey and Jimmy De Leon led the Cardinals in hitting with two hits each. Richey's stolen base in the fifth gave the 2023 team the most stolen bases in a season in Division I history.
 
On just 14 pitches, Micah Berens faced the minimum through the first two innings to start the game with a commanding presence on the mound. Steve Hayward finished out the last 5.1 innings, striking out five batters through only 15 at-bats, allowing just one hit while holding the Cowboys scoreless the remainder of the game.
 
A Cowboy double in the bottom of third and a bunt down the left field line put runners on first and third for McNeese. A single brought home the runner on third and then a dagger down the left-field line gave McNeese a 3-0 lead. Hernan Yanez caught a Cowboy trying to steal third to end the inning, leaving one on base.
 
Yanez and De Leon picked up base hits then Rey Mendoza reached first on a fielder's choice to load the bases for Cameron Crotte in the fourth. The first baseman flew out to shallow center and Yanez was thrown out at home to end the half inning. Hayward put the Cowboys down in order to keep the score at 3-0.
 
The Cardinals and the Cowboys went dry in the fifth, sixth, and seventh inning. UIW left two on base in the eighth and ended the inning with Yanez throwing out another runner.
 
McNeese held the Cardinals scoreless to win the game, 3-0.
 
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.