KISSIMMEE, Florida— Kobe Shutter scored two runs, including one on a steal of home, and Spencer Bauer scored three as the Knox College Prairie Fire managed to take advantage of poor fielding and beat Olivet College by a final score of 9-6 Friday. The victory gave the Prairie Fire their first win of the young season.
 
The Comets managed to get on the board first, with a three-run homer from Aaron Gillespie in the second inning providing the opening salvo. In the fourth inning, Shutter swiped home for Knox's first run, and after stealing second Bauer scored on an Andrew Kirchmeier single. The next inning, Brady Sember touched home after a triple from Juston Woodard, who himself scored the next at bat on a sac fly by Brendan Powers. As a result, the Prairie Fire took the lead and would not look back.
 
Olivet's defensive struggles would begin to appear in the sixth inning, as an error by Dayton Regier allowed Bauer to score to add another run to the Knox lead. The seventh inning provided more of the same, as an error by Riley Bennett a passed ball by Dugan Dieselberg created opportunities for Bauer and Powers to score, driving the Prairie Fire lead to 8-3. While Olivet scored on a sac fly in the eighth inning, Knox got that run back in the top of the ninth, when another error allowed Shutter to score his second run of the day. Trouble appeared to be brewing for the Prairie Fire in the bottom of the ninth, as the Comets used several walks and timely hits to drive in two runs and bring the score to 9-6. Fortunately, Dyre Leonard lined out with the bases loaded and Knox was able to escape with a win.
 
Woodard finished with three hits on the day to lead the Prairie Fire. Dalton James and Kirchmeier each picked up a pair of hits.
 
EJ Roncone picked up the win on the mound with four strikeouts in 4.1 innings before Stryker Davies shut the door for the save.
 
The Prairie Fire continue their tour of Florida tomorrow with a double header against the Mount Union Purple Raiders.