Prairie Stars Take Series Finale from Truman State, 7-5

UIS baseball team secures victory with pair of home runs and three-run sixth inning

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:35am

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The No. 17-ranked UIS baseball team (24-8, 13-2) secured a 7-5 victory over Truman State (9-23, 3-16) on Saturday, thanks to a pair of home runs and a three-run surge in the sixth inning. With the win, UIS took its fourth GLVC series.

Why it matters

The Prairie Stars' victory over Truman State keeps them in contention for a strong finish to the season and a potential postseason berth. The team's offensive firepower and resilient pitching performance showcased their ability to overcome early deficits and grind out wins against conference opponents.

The details

The Prairie Stars opened the finale with two runs in the first inning, but Truman State took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the frame. UIS tied the game in the second inning before regaining the lead with a three-run sixth inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Drew Ezard. Tommy Atkinson added a solo shot in the eighth to extend the lead to 7-5, which the Prairie Stars held onto for the victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • UIS scored two runs in the first inning.
  • Truman State took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
  • UIS tied the game at 3-3 in the second inning.
  • UIS scored three runs in the sixth inning to take a 6-3 lead.
  • Truman State scored one run in the bottom of the sixth inning to make it 6-4.
  • Atkinson hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to extend the UIS lead to 7-4.
  • Truman State scored one run in the bottom of the eighth inning to make it 7-5.

The players

Tommy Atkinson

A player for the UIS baseball team who contributed two hits, a home run, a double, and one RBI in the game.

Drew Ezard

A player for the UIS baseball team who collected three hits, including a home run and a double, resulting in two RBIs and two runs scored.

Richie Snider

A pitcher for the UIS baseball team who delivered five innings of scoreless relief, allowing just two hits and striking out nine, and earned the win after UIS took the lead in the sixth inning.

Isaac Graf

A pitcher for the UIS baseball team who closed out the game, throwing four innings with five strikeouts and allowing one earned run on three hits for the save.

Chris Rodriguez

The head coach of the UIS baseball team.

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What they’re saying

“It wasn't our cleanest game, but we found a way to win.”

— Chris Rodriguez, Head Coach

“Richie was spectacular coming in relief – bases loaded, no outs, and he leaves them stranded in the first. He gave us some length and kept us in it. Big swings from Noah, Drew, and Tommy allowed us to extend the lead. We got the ball to Isaac, and he finished the job.”

— Chris Rodriguez, Head Coach

What’s next

UIS will take the field against Missouri-St. Louis on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in St. Louis, continuing its current road stretch. The team will then travel to Rolla, Mo., next weekend to face Missouri S&T.

The takeaway

The Prairie Stars' ability to overcome early deficits, capitalize on timely hitting, and receive strong relief pitching performances demonstrates their resilience and competitiveness in the GLVC conference race. Their offensive firepower and balanced team effort were key factors in securing the series-clinching victory over Truman State.