The 缅北禁地 Springfield baseball team returns home this weekend for a four-game series against Missouri Southern, beginning Friday at 2:00 p.m. Saturday's doubleheader will feature Alumni Day festivities as the Prairie Stars continue their impressive spring campaign. The series will wrap up with one more game at noon on Sunday.
缅北禁地 Springfield (21-10, 14-5 GLVC)
The Prairie Stars have won 12 straight games, including back-to-back GLVC sweeps over Lincoln and Upper Iowa. UIS opened the series at Upper Iowa with a dominant 15-2 run-rule win in seven innings, then held on for a 4-3 victory in game two. They pulled away late in game three, 9-4, and completed the sweep with a 13-2 win on Sunday.
Starting pitcher Mark Decicco has been strong during the streak, evening his record to 3-3 after starting the year 0-3. He's recorded wins in his last three starts, including two complete seven-inning outings. Seth Masters has been a reliable option out of the bullpen, notching saves in each of his last five appearances.
At the plate, Mark Kattula leads the offense with a .403 batting average, 50 hits, and 30 RBIs. Kody Morton has also been a steady contributor, hitting .389 with a .485 on-base percentage.聽
Missouri Southern (21-15, 14-12 MIAA)
The Lions enter the series fifth in the MIAA standings and recently had a four-game win streak snapped by Pittsburg State, 8-5. MSSU took a brief 4-3 lead before surrendering five runs over the final five innings. Chayton Beck went 2-for-3 with three RBIs in the loss.
MSSU has five pitchers with three wins this spring. Among starters, Cole Gayman is 3-3 through 10 starts, while Casey Stalzer holds a 3-1 record in eight starts and 12 total appearances.
Offensively, Brayden Luikart paces the lineup with a .394 average, 56 hits, 8 doubles, and 5 home runs. Ethan Clark is close behind, hitting .342 with 55 hits.
Missouri Southern owns a 4-1 advantage in the all-time series with UIS. The teams most often meet in early-season contests at the MSSU Lion Classic. MSSU went 1-2 against Drury earlier this year鈥攁 familiar GLVC opponent for the Prairie Stars.
Game Coverage
Live stats and video streaming will be available through the GLVC Sports Network.
Weekend Promotions
Friday 鈥� 2:00 p.m. | #WeAreStars Game
Stars supporting Stars at UIS baseball! Winter athletes who earned postseason recognition will be honored before first pitch.
Saturday 鈥� 12:00 p.m. Doubleheader | Alumni Day
Alumni are invited back to the Prairie for a spring afternoon of baseball. Manny D's food truck will be on site, making it a perfect day to catch the action and connect with fellow Prairie Stars.