SAN ANTONIO _  The Incarnate Word Cardinals scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday night to beat the University of Central Arkansas Bears 5-4 in their Southland Conference series opener at Sullivan Field.

    The Cardinals (16-27, 7-15) got three consecutive infield singles, including two bunts, before shortstop Austin Hoffman doubled down the left-field line to bring in the tying and winning runs. UIW outhit UCA 13-7 to break UCA's four-game winning streak.

    The Bears (23-16, 13-9) scored three runs to take the lead in the eighth inning. Tyler Langley and Wesley Hoover had consecutive one-out base hits and Matt Anderson was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Catcher Travis Hull drew a walk to score pinch runner Nick Rougeau and Brad Dillenberger's single to center field scored two more for a 4-3 UCA lead.

    UCA took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth on Dillenberger's sacrifice fly that scored Hoover, who led off with a double.

    Hoover finished 3 for 3 with two runs scored, while Langley was 2 for 4 and Dillenberger went 1 for 3 with 3 RBI. UCA ace Connor Gilmore got a no decision, going 5 2/3 innings, allowing 8 hits and 3 earned runs. Junior reliever Bo Stitch took the loss, allowing four hits and two earned runs.

    Trevor Hardee (3-1) got the win in relief for the Cardinals, striking out four in 1 2/3 innings.

    Game 2 is set for 3 p.m. Saturday.