SAN ANTONIO – UIW jumped out to an early lead, before HBU came back to tie, but the Cardinals broke through for the go-ahead run in the sixth inning to hang onto a 3-2 victory and sweep the Southland Conference baseball series Sunday afternoon at Daniel Sullivan Field.
 
Sophomore first baseman Brennen Bales went 2-for-4 with a home run and senior centerfielder Chase Talbot also homered for the Huskies. Freshman shortstop Sebastian Trinidad and senior leftfielder Lane Botkin each had a double.
 
Sophomore righthander Tyler Zarella threw 6.1 strong innings of relief, but took the loss, giving up a run on five hits with five strikeouts. Morris Austin shut UIW out on two hits over 1.2 innings. Starter Austin Spinney gave up two runs, one earned, on one hit and a walk and did not record an out.
 
Ryan Flores went 2-for-4 and drove in all three runs for the Cardinals. Jordan McFarland was 3-for-4 and Grant Smith went 1-for-3 with a walk and scored twice. Trent Koerner went 2-for-3.
 
Aaron Celestino allowed two runs on eight hits with five strikeouts in 5.1 innings, but took a no-decision, while Steve Hayward allowed no runs on one hit and struck out four to earn the win. Michael Garza picked up his fifth save, shutting HBU out on no hits over the final two frames.
 
The Huskies return for their final homestand of the season when they host Central Arkansas Friday through Sunday at Husky Field. HBU's 10 seniors will be honored in between games at Saturday's doubleheader.