GALESBURG, Illinois - The Knox Prairie Fire baseball team were victorious this Sunday against the Cornell College Rams, winning by a final score of 10-7. Using an explosive offensive performance for the day, the Prairie Fire improved their season record to 4-12 and 3-3 in league play. After splitting the games yesterday, it was Knox's first series victory over Cornell since the Rams rejoined the conference in 2013.
Knox got off to a rather inauspicious start, as an errant pickoff throw allowed the Rams to score their first run. A Chris McTeague double drove in EJ Roncone for Knox's first run in the bottom of the first. Cornell struck back with two runs of their own in the third inning, but some hard contact from the Prairie Fire helped them come back with three runs to take the lead in the bottom of the frame. Knox hitters took advantage of the windy conditions and hit the ball with plenty of carry, which helped Roncone drive in two runs of his own on a double in the bottom of the fourth inning. When he was driven in, the score stood at 7-4 in favor of the Prairie Fire.
Cole Tanner singles in the sixth and eighth innings gave Knox insurance runs that they needed, as Cornell used a home run and solid base hits to cut into the Prairie Fire lead late in the game. Given the tough weather conditions during the game, Roncone also had an effective day pitching for the Prairie Fire, allowing two runs in three innings while also striking out three batters for the save. Because of the team's fantastic performance as a whole, Knox was able to come out of what could have been a difficult day with a win.
Tanner and Jason Clark led Knox with three hits apiece. Tanner drove in three runs. McTeague had another excellent offensive day, going 2-for-4 with a double and a sacrifice fly to go along with two RBIs and a run scored. Evan Laws and Roncone also added two hits on the day.
"This was a huge series victory for us," said associate head coach James Clark. "We have been steadily improving all season and we are finally putting it all together. We will look to continue our progress with another big week ahead."
The Prairie Fire will try to keep their winning streak going when they host Eureka College this Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
