JACKSONVILLE, IL --- The Prairie Stars (9-8) beat cross town opponent Robert Morris-Springfield by a score of 31-4 at Lenz Field this afternoon. Illinois Springfield recorded 28 hits on the day, 11 going for extra bases, en route to their ninth victory of the season.
Ethan Howard (3-1), notched the victory on the mound, throwing five innings, allowing two runs and striking out six.
Ben Schanding and
Cole Taylor each recorded five hits on the game, setting a UIS record. Six different players scored four runs each, tying the best mark in program history. Schanding, Taylor, and
Ryan Deering each drove in six runs, tying the best mark as well.
Taylor recorded two doubles and two home runs on the day, recording 13 total bases on the day, shattering the previous record of nine, held by five different players.
The 31 runs is a program high, besting a 21 run performance against Lindenwood last season, also played at Lenz Field. The 28 hits sets a program high by six hits.
Seven different players recorded at least two hits on the day and nine players reached base safely on more than one occasion.
The pitching staff took care of business, allowing just eight hits in nine innings, striking out seven batters. Only one walk was issued and ten ground ball outs were recorded. The bullpen allowed just four hits over four innings as both Austin Kapusinski and
Jon Laird threw perfect 1-2-3 innings in the eighth and ninth to close out the game.
UIS will conclude their spring break games with Harris-Stowe on Sunday. First-pitch is scheduled for 3:00 PM and is slated to be played at UIS Baseball Field.
