JACKSONVILLE, Illinois—The Prairie Fire dropped their season opener 1-0 at MacMurray on Wednesday afternoon.
 
Knox (0-1) loaded the bases with two outs in the first inning, but could not push across any runs. The Prairie Fire threatened again in the second and third innings with a runner on third and one out but to no avail. Pinch-hitter Matt Mueller (Silex, MO, Silex) doubled with two outs in the ninth inning in a last stand, but Kam Wells (Champaign, IL, Champaign Central) lined out to the left fielder to end the game. Knox managed two hits on the day, but saw success in the small ball approach with a perfect four steals on four attempts and a successful sacrifice bunt. Drake Sykes (Galesburg, IL, Galesburg) had the other hit, going 1-for-2 with three stolen bases.
 
Alec Jordan (Spring Grove, IL, Richmond-Burton) earned the loss on the mound, despite only giving up one run on the day. He gave up five hits and a walk while striking out three in 4.2 innings. Tom Janczur (Darien, IL, Downer's Grove South) and Zach Chainuck (Plainfield, IL, Plainfield East) combined for 3.1 scoreless innings in relief.
 
The Prairie Fire will return to action during their spring break trip to Florida March 15-20.