HOUSTON —- Houston Christian University and University of the Incarnate Word traded shutouts in splitting a twin-bill at Husky Field on Friday. The Cardinals took the opener 3-0, while the Huskies bounced back for a 4-0 victory in the nightcap, the first games at home for the Huskies since February 15.

GAME 1

Incarnate Word broke open a pitcher's duel with two runs in the seventh to pull away from the Huskies for the 3-0 win.

Katy Janes and UIW's Annie Gunther went toe-to-toe for six innings with the Cardinals leading 1-0 by virtue of an HCU throwing error in the 2nd inning. 

In the top of the seventh, the Cards would put the game out of reach. Back-to-back singles were followed by an RBI double by Ryleigh Mata and a sacrifice fly from Kendall McGary made it 3-0 for the visitors.

Janes turned in another strong start, going seven innings and scattering eight hits and the three runs, two of which were earned. She struck out three while falling to 5-6 on the year.

Jackie Jessup and Maggie Childs collected four of HCU's five hits, each going 2-3. 

Gunther tossed the shutout for UIW, going seven and fanning one in improving to 5-2. 

Mata led the Cardinals, going 3-4 with an RBI, while Giselle Villareal went 2-4.


GAME 2

The Huskies returned the favor in the second game, riding a complete game shutout from Lyndie Swanson to a 4-0 win. 

As in the opener, the two teams deadlocked in a pitcher's duel, with HCU leading 1-0 courtesy of an RBI double to right center by Jasie Roberts that scored AB Garcia.

In the fifth, the Huskies would break things open. Riley Martin singled to get things going, moved to second on a sac bunt by Garcia, then to third on a single by Avery Drake.

Drake then stole second, her 12th swipe of the year and 34th of her career, moving her into sole possession of 5th place on the all-time steals leaderboard.

Hailey Savage followed with an RBI single through the left side, scoring Martin and pushing Drake to third. After Savage stole second, it was Roberts again, this time smoking a single to left field to plate Drake and chase UIW starter Aaliyah Garcia. 

Natalie Myers came on in relief and uncorked a wild pitch to allow Savage to score and put the Huskies up by four.

Swanson worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the second inning, and two more two-on pickles in the sixth and seventh to improve to 6-5. She allowed just six hits and walked two while getting three K's. It is her fifth career win over the Cardinals. 

Roberts went 2-3 with two RBI. Garcia and Martin were both 1-1 with two walks, while Savage and Drake each had a hit, run and stolen base.

UIW's Garcia went 4.1 giving up seven hits and four runs to take the loss, falling to 3-5. 

NEXT UP:

HCU (13-17, 3-2 SLC) and Incarnate Word (10-14-1, 2-6 SLC) will close out the three-game series on Saturday. First pitch at Husky Field is scheduled for noon. 

Saturday will also be "Special Olympics Day" at Husky Field. 

After the game, participants will get to meet on the field for a "run the bases" and time with the team and staff.

For more information, please email HCU Assistant Coach Natali Duron (nduron@hbu.edu).