SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate of the Word dropped the final game of the conference series against visiting Nicholls State University, 6-2, this afternoon at Sullivan Field, sponsored by H-E-B. The Cardinals are now 13-11 and 5-7 in the SLC, while the Colonels move to 13-13 and 5-6.

Nicholls used an RBI single up the middle to take an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first off.

Following a scoreless second for both teams, the Cardinals in the bottom of the third with two down, Preston Newberry walked on four pitches. He later moved into scoring position off an error by the pitcher on a pickoff attempt. Unfortunately, a ground out to second ended the inning for UIW.

The Colonels added pushed their lead to 3-0 after adding a pair of runs in the top of the fourth.

With two outs in the UIW half of the fourth, Colin Cymbalista and Cris Enriquez drew back-to-back walks, but Nicholls was able to get out the jam again.

Nicholls added two more runs in the fifth and one in the seventh to take a 6-0 lead.

The Colonels pitching held the Cardinals scoreless and limited the traffic on the bases. For most of the game the Cardinals were unable to move a runner to third, until the eighth inning. Drake Anderson doubled down the right field line with one out, his hit would force Nicholls to make a visit to the mound. He then moved to third off Jake Weaver's ground out to first, but he was unable to score as a strikeout ended the inning.

With the Cardinals down to their final three outs, Enriquez walked to start the inning off, he then was lifted for pinch runner Ryan Martinez.  Tyler Garritano ended the scoreless drought for UIW when he hit a two-run home run to deep left field to make it, 6-2.  Thomas Lyssy kept the inning rolling when he drew a walk. Following a flyout to center, Newberry hit into a fielder's choice where he reached first, but Lyssy was out at second. Now with two down, Cole Tabor singled to put runners on first and second, but a flyout to left ended the Cardinal rally.

Starter EJ Garcia took the loss to fall to 1-3 on the year. He allowed four runs (all earned) on six hits through four innings of work, while striking out four.

Reliever Rand Green allowed one hit, while facing seven hitters over two innings.

Five different hitters tallied a hit apiece. Garritano finished the day going 1-for-4 with a home run and a pair of RBIs.

Anderson tallied the team's other extra base hit with a double, while Newberry, Tabor, and Cymbalista each registered a hit of their own.

Enriquez led the team with four walks on the day.

UIW is back in action Tuesday, March 24 when it travels to Waco, Texas to face Baylor University at 6:35 p.m.