SPRINGFIELD, IL --- The Prairie Stars (17-14) showcased a high powered offense today on a perfect day for baseball on the UIS campus. UIS beat Robert Morris – Springfield by scores of 13-1 and 17-0 to win for the sixth time in their last eight games. The Prairie Stars moved to 3-0 against the Eagles on the season, beating them 12-0 on opening day on February 27
th.
The Prairie Stars scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning, which set the tone for the remainder of the game. UIS scored in every single at-bat they had on the day, scoring one run just one time in eight plate appearances.
UIS combined to outscore the Eagles 42-1 on the season, winning all three games by at least 12 runs. Eight different players recorded a hit for UIS in the first game as
Zach Patterson and
Trey Hannam each had two hits in the opener.
Jon Laird picked up the win, throwing four inning, giving up just one hit and striking out four. Laird handed the ball to
Trevor Smith to record the final three outs and give Laird his second win of the season.
The second game was much like the first, as the UIS pitching staff surrendered just one hit in game two after a two-hit performance in game one. UIS outhit the Eagles 19-to-3 on the day.
Adam Gregory started and picked up the win, moving to 4-2 on the season.
Gavin Collins,
Payton Raso, and
Austin Lukaschewski each threw an inning in relief, striking out four and facing just 12 batters. Raso and Lukaschewski each threw a perfect inning, striking out two each.
Offensively,
Austin Muench led the way, going 3-for-3 with four runs and six RBI --- a single game high for any player this season.
Kenny Hansen drove in four on a 2-for-4 day, picking up the first triple of the season for the Prairie Stars.
Jake Redlinger had two hits, as he connected for his first homerun of the season.
The Prairie Stars will remain home over the weekend, hosting the Bellarmine Knights for a four-game series. The Knights are currently in a three-way tie atop the GLVC east, sitting two-games up on the Prairie Stars.
