SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Abilene Christian Wildcats jumped out to an early lead but couldn't hold off a relentless Incarnate Word offense, falling 11-7 on Tuesday afternoon at Sullivan Field by HEB.
ACU wasted no time on the scoreboard, striking for three runs in the top of the first. Diego Cardenas doubled and later came around to score, while Nick Arias delivered a key RBI hit. The Wildcats extended their lead with two more runs in the second, taking advantage of patient at-bats and timely hitting.
After UIW answered with five runs in the bottom of the first, ACU continued to battle. The Wildcats added another run in the third as Braden Regala drove in a run to momentarily cut the deficit. Ranse Radtke added an RBI as well, keeping the Wildcats in striking distance.
On the mound, freshman Brady Coe got the start but lasted just 0.2 innings after running into trouble in the first. He allowed five runs on four hits while walking two. Chandler Benson provided a strong relief outing, tossing three innings with four strikeouts, and allowing just one run. Caden Greanead and Joseph Carbone also contributed out of the bullpen, helping to limit further damage.
ACU's offense collected 11 hits on the day, led by Arias, who went 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Cardenas and Grant Watkins each contributed a hit, Sam Hardcastle with two, while Regala reached base multiple times, scoring once and driving in a run.
Despite putting runners on in the late innings, the Wildcats couldn't push across another rally as Incarnate Word's bullpen held them in check. ACU left nine runners on base, highlighting missed opportunities to close the gap.
The Wildcats will play their first home series on February 21, against Youngstown State. First pitch is at 3:05 p.m. (CT) on Friday, with a doubleheader on Saturday, and ending the four-game series on Sunday. Friday's forecast calls for highs in the 30s, which could impact the game. Stay tuned to
ACU Baseball for the latest updates.
