San Antonio, TX - Junior Brian MacDonald pitched five scoreless innings before giving way to the bullpen, but Incarnate Word scored two runs in the sixth innings and held off the Pride, 2-1, in the opening game of a four-game series at Sullivan Field.

Hofstra falls to 3-5 on the season with the loss, while Incarnate Word improves to 4-9 with the win.

MacDonald, making his first start for the Pride, allowed four hits over his five innings and struck out four without walking a batter. He was aided by two double plays, including one that got him out of a first and third with one out situation in the fifth.

The Cardinals would strike in the sixth off of junior reliever Brendan Mulligan. Pinch hitter Jason Stone led off with a walk, went to second on a balk and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. An intentional walk put runners at the corners and Mulligan struck out Brandon Clark for the second out of the inning. But a walk loaded the bases and Slade Brown followed with a two-run double to break the tie.

Hofstra got a run back in the seventh as senior second baseman Matt Ford and MacDonald started the inning with back-to-back singles. Ford would move to third on a Kenny Jackson fly out and then scored on a sacrifice fly from senior catcher Robbie Cafiero.

The Pride would threaten again in the ninth as Ford singled with one out and went to second on a groundout, but was stranded there to end the game.

Geno Encina (2-2) picked up the win for the Cardinals, allowing one run on four hits over eight innings. Kris Looper pitched the ninth to notch his second save.

Mulligan (0-1) took the loss for the Pride, allowing two runs on one hit and three walks with two strikeouts in an inning of work. Ford had two of the Pride's five hits.

The teams continue the series with a doubleheader Friday, starting at 4 p.m. Eastern.