UIS Baseball Starts Season 4-0 With Win Over Florida Southern

Prairie Stars edge Mocs 3-2 in series opener

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The UIS baseball team (4-0) edged Florida Southern (2-7) with a 3-2 victory on Friday night at Henley Field in Lakeland, Fla. The game was highlighted by a sixth-inning surge by the Prairie Stars, where they scored two runs to take the lead. This victory marks the first time UIS has started the season 4-0 since 2021.

Why it matters

The strong start to the season for the UIS baseball team demonstrates their competitiveness and ability to win close games on the road against tough opponents. This early success could set them up for a promising season and potential postseason berth.

The details

The game was scoreless through the first three innings, but UIS took the lead in the fourth when Corey Boyette hit a solo home run to right field. Florida Southern matched that run in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single. In the sixth inning, the UIS offense ignited with a two-out rally, scoring two runs to take a 3-1 lead. Florida Southern narrowed the gap to 3-2 in the seventh, but UIS held on behind solid defensive plays, including two caught stealing. Ben Benoit delivered a strong performance on the mound, pitching 6 2/3 innings and earning the win, while Isaac Graf pitched in relief and secured the save.

  • The game was played on Friday night, February 14, 2026.
  • UIS has now started the season 4-0, the first time they've done so since 2021.

The players

Corey Boyette

A key offensive contributor for UIS, hitting a solo home run and driving in two runs.

Ben Benoit

The UIS starting pitcher who delivered a strong performance, pitching 6 2/3 innings and earning the win.

Isaac Graf

The UIS relief pitcher who pitched 2 1/3 innings without allowing a hit and striking out five, securing the save.

Chris Rodriguez

The head coach of the UIS baseball team, who praised his team's performance and ability to find a way to win on the road.

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What they’re saying

“It was a great team win for our guys. The environment was great as well. Playing a tough team on the road and finding a way to win was a byproduct of staying in the moment. We made plays all night defensively. Two-out hits from Johnny, Kory, and Tommy were enough for us on the mound tonight. Benoit and Graf were spectacular. We look to carry that momentum into tomorrow.”

— Chris Rodriguez, Head Coach (channel1450.com)

What’s next

The four-game series continues on Saturday with a 12:00 p.m. CT (1:00 p.m. ET) doubleheader.

The takeaway

The UIS baseball team's strong start to the season, including their ability to win close games on the road, demonstrates their competitiveness and potential for a successful season. The team's defensive performance and timely hitting were key factors in their victory over Florida Southern.