QUINCY, IL --- The Prairie Stars (10-9) scored three runs in the eighth inning but their late rally came up short at Quincy University (11-8), falling 5-4 on the road. Michael Rothmund added to his UIS record home run tally, blasting a two-run shot in the eighth, giving him 15 career home runs. The junior drove in three runs on the day, adding to an RBI single in the fourth inning.

The two teams were scoreless through three as Cameron Zunkel held the Hawks scoreless in his four innings of work. Illinois Springfield jumped on top in the top of the fourth when Trey Hannam began the inning with a walk and stole second, before coming into score on a single from Rothmund.

Zunkel's day ended after four scoreless innings, striking out five and allowing just three hits. The freshman from Lombard, IL has yet to walk a batter in 10.1 innings on the mound and has struck out 12 batters on the season.

Sam Geraci (0-3) took the tough loss for the Prairie Stars, surrendering two runs (one earned) in two innings of work. In the fifth, a throwing error began the inning for the Hawks before a two-run home run gave the home team their first lead.

In the seventh, Quincy added three more on the second home run of the day for their leadoff hitter, giving the Hawks a 5-1 lead.

UIS responded in the eighth with three runs of their own, beginning with back-to-back walks to Drew Harper and Chris Mathieu. A sacrifice fly from Hannam gave UIS their first run of the inning and preceded a two-run blast to right field off the bat of Rothmund.

Down 5-4 in the final inning, Quincy extended the game with a two-out throwing error but UIS was unable to capitalize, lining out to second to end the game.

UIS recorded just three hits on the day --- two coming off the bat of Rothmund. However, the Prairie Stars did draw six walks on the day.

Five pitchers combined to throw for the Prairie Stars, striking out seven as a staff and giving up five runs (four earned). Austin Kapusinski threw a shutout eighth inning for UIS to finish off the game.

UIS will head into Great Lakes Valley Conference play this weekend when they open up at McKendree University. Games are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at 12 and 3 pm but have a chance to be moved to Friday and Sunday with a forecast of rain on Saturday.