UIS Completes Sweep With 7-6 Victory Over Savannah State

Prairie Stars rally in the ninth inning to clinch the series win

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Illinois Springfield baseball team secured a narrow 7-6 victory over Savannah State on Saturday, completing a series sweep with a three-run ninth inning rally. Both teams recorded nine hits, but UIS's late surge proved decisive as they improved to 3-0 on the season.

Why it matters

This victory marks a strong start to the season for the Prairie Stars, who were able to overcome a late deficit against a Savannah State team that competed in the regional tournament in 2024. The comeback win showcases the team's resilience and ability to win close games.

The details

UIS jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on a solo home run by Tommy Atkinson, but Savannah State responded to tie it 1-1 after the first inning. The Tigers then broke the game open with a four-run fifth inning to take a 5-1 lead. The Prairie Stars chipped away at the deficit, cutting it to 5-4 by the seventh inning. Savannah State extended their lead to 6-4 in the eighth, but UIS rallied in the ninth with a two-RBI double by Kody Morton to tie it, followed by a bases-loaded walk by Hunter Moser to score the go-ahead run.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • UIS jumped out to a 1-0 lead on the first pitch of the game.
  • Savannah State scored four runs in the fifth inning to take a 5-1 lead.
  • UIS scored three runs in the ninth inning to complete the comeback and win 7-6.

The players

Tommy Atkinson

A player for the Illinois Springfield baseball team who hit a solo home run to give UIS an early 1-0 lead.

Hunter Moser

A player for the Illinois Springfield baseball team who drove in the go-ahead run with a bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning.

Kody Morton

A player for the Illinois Springfield baseball team who hit a two-RBI double in the ninth inning to tie the game at 6-6.

Mark DeCicco

The starting pitcher for the Illinois Springfield baseball team who allowed five earned runs over 4 2/3 innings.

Chris Rodriguez

The head coach of the Illinois Springfield baseball team.

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What they’re saying

“Great win and a sweep on the road – especially against a strong Savannah State team that was one win from a regional last season and competed in one in 2024.”

— Chris Rodriguez, Head Coach (channel1450.com)

What’s next

The Prairie Stars will look to continue their strong start to the season as they prepare for their next series.

The takeaway

The Illinois Springfield baseball team showed resilience and the ability to win close games by rallying in the ninth inning to complete the series sweep over Savannah State. This victory marks an impressive 3-0 start to the season for the Prairie Stars.