The UIS baseball team (2-0) made a statement start to the season with a decisive 15-3 victory over Savannah State (1-4) on Friday, followed by a 10-5 win in the second game of the series. Playing in cool, sunny conditions with gusty winds, the Prairie Stars capitalized on Savannah State's pitching struggles in both contests, drawing a total of 24 walks while showcasing their offensive depth.

"Today was a great start to our season," head coach Chris Rodriguez said. "There was a lot of excitement going into today, and this team has worked diligently all year. Their strong preparation over the last few weeks showed in both games, as we executed pitches in key moments, made great plays defensively, and our offense was able to put both games away."

GAME ONE | W, 15-3
Illinois Springfield took an early lead as Tommy Atkinson walked and advanced to third on wild pitches before scoring on Jesse Contreras' fielder's choice. A series of walks and a hit-by-pitch followed, allowing two more runs to cross the plate. The Prairie Stars held a 3-1 advantage after the opening frame.

UIS continued to apply pressure in the second. Johnny Wendling and Kody Morton singled to set the table, and Contreras reached on an error by the right fielder, driving in both runners to extend the lead to 5-1. 

The Prairie Stars added to their lead again in the fourth inning. With Corey Boyette and Contreras in scoring position, Kaden Griffitts doubled to right field, bringing both runners home and pushing the lead to 7-1.

UIS broke the game open in the sixth. After Contreras walked, stole second, and eventually scored on a fielder's choice, Atkinson delivered a single that drove in two runs. Morton followed with a sacrifice fly, capping a four-run inning and extending the Prairie Stars' lead to 11-1.

The offense stayed hot in the seventh inning. Tyler Thompson and Lucas Pajeau scored on a Parker Heistand single and a Wendling groundout, before Boyette doubled to center field to drive in two more runs and make it 15-1. Savannah State responded with two runs in the bottom half of the inning, but the Prairie Stars closed out the 15-3 victory.

Ben Benoit earned the win with a solid start, pitching 5 innings with 5 strikeouts and allowing just one earned run on five hits. Atkinson and Contreras were notable contributors, with Contreras scoring twice, driving in three runs, and stealing two bases, while Atkinson drove in two runs and scored once.

GAME TWO | W, 10-5
UIS carried its momentum into the second game of the series, securing a 10-5 wn.

Game two of the series opened at a slower pace offensively, as both teams were held in check early. Trey Carter was efficient in his start for UIS, keeping Savannah State quiet through the opening innings and setting the tone as the Prairie Stars waited for their offense to break through.

The Prairie Stars broke through in the third inning. Brian Daker doubled to right-center field and later scored on Kody Morton's single, giving the Prairie Stars a 1-0 lead. In the fourth, that lead grew to 2-0 when Thompson scored on a wild pitch.

Savannah State had an answer in the bottom of the fourth, using a walk and a stolen base followed by consecutive RBI singles to tie the game at 2-2. Jacob McPherson took the mound to get two quick outs. 

UIS responded immediately in the fifth inning and swung the momentum back in its favor. Kaden Griffitts reached on an error, allowing Corey Boyette to score, before Noah Caceres delivered a triple to left-center field that brought home two more runs. The frame put the Prairie Stars back in front, 5-2.

The Prairie Stars extended the lead in the sixth inning. Tommy Atkinson tripled to left-center field, driving in two runs to make it 7-4 and reestablish control.

UIS continued to apply pressure in the seventh inning, capitalizing on Savannah State pitching changes. A series of walks set the table as the Prairie Stars pushed across three more runs, extending the lead to 10-4.

Savannah State attempted a late rally in the ninth inning, loading the bases and pushing across a run on a walk, but the Prairie Stars' bullpen limited the damage and closed out the 10-5 victory.

Trey Carter pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs. Jacob McPherson and Austin Loberger provided solid relief, with Isaac Graf delivering two scoreless innings and striking out five batters. The offensive highlights included contributions from Corey Boyette, who recorded two hits and scored twice, and Noah Caceres, who finished with three hits, including a triple, and drove in two runs. Atkinson shone again with a triple and three RBIs, while Daker reached base with two hits and two walks, also scoring twice.

The Prairie Stars improve to 2-0 on the season, while Savannah State's overall record stands at 1-4. 

Up Next
The series will wrap up with a 10:00 a.m. game on Saturday.