SPRINGFIELD, IL --- The Prairie Stars fell twice to cross-divisional opponent Rockhurst, getting bested by scores of 6-0 and 9-5 in the first two games of a three game series. In the series opener, fell behind in the third inning and were never able to get anything going offensively, recording just six hits in the game. In the second game of the day, UIS committed five errors, resulting in seven unearned runs, leading to a 9-5 defeat.

GAME ONE: Rockhurst opened the scoring in the third inning, scoring two runs, both unearned, after a two-out error from the Prairie Stars. UIS got runners into scoring position in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings but were unable to capitalize. In the seventh inning, Aaron Kuper leadoff the inning with a walk but three straight outs, ended the game for UIS.

Rockhurst scored twice in the third, three times in the sixth, and then one more times in the seventh to stretch their lead.

Jason Galeano was the only Prairie Star with multiple hits, connecting for two doubles in the opener. Matt Farrington took the loss on the mound, throwing six innings, giving up five runs (three earned) on five hits while striking out two. Dan Pacha finished the final inning, giving up one run in the final frame.

GAME TWO: The Hawks struck first in the top of the second, scoring on a two-out RBI single to take a 1-0 lead. UIS responded in the bottom half of the inning, as Jake Redlinger started a rally with a two-out double. Brody McGrath then singled in Redlinger to tie the score.

In the third, Adam Warda leadoff with a single and advanced on a singled from Gabriel Acevedo before Kenny Hansen loaded the bases with a third consecutive single. A wild pitch put the Prairie Stars on top 2-1 before Troy Cantu singled in Acevedo. Redlinger recorded his first RBI of the game with a fielders' choice, putting UIS up 4-1 after three.

Starting pitcher, Chance Simpson, made easy work of the Hawks in the fourth and fifth innings but hit trouble in the sixth as Rockhurst scored four runs to take a 5-4 lead. Two Prairie Stars errors aided the Hawks rally as they scored four runs on just two hits.

UIS tied the game in the bottom of the sixth when Redlinger drew a one-out walk and moved to third on a single from McGrath. Redlinger scored on a perfectly executed squeeze from John Sechen, which tied the game at five.

The game was broken open in the seventh when Rockhurst scored four runs, again capitalizing on UIS miscues. In the innings, UIS committed one error, walked one, and allowed a batter to reach on a dropped third strike.

UIS loaded the bases in the ninth inning as they put together a two-out rally, but the game ended on a fly out to center field.

The Prairie Stars will meet Rockhurst for the final game of the series which will be played in Lebanon, Illinois on the campus of McKendree University. First pitch is slated for 1 pm.