The Illinois Springfield baseball team edged Maryville in a thrilling 17-16 victory on Friday at the historic Robin Roberts Stadium. UIS secured the win with a decisive six-run outburst in the bottom of the ninth.

In the first inning, Kaden Griffitts launched a three-run homer, bringing in Corey Boyette and Tommy Atkinson, giving the Prairie Stars an 3-2 lead. 

In the second inning, Maryville put up a big frame to extend its advantage, but the Prairie Stars responded with four runs of their own. Drew Ezard scored on a wild pitch, Corey Boyette added an RBI double, and Griffitts capped the inning with his second home run of the game, pulling UIS within one at 8-7.

That pattern continued throughout the game, as UIS consistently answered but was unable to fully shut down Maryville's offense. Jesse Contreras drove in a run in the third to keep the Prairie Stars close, and UIS eventually evened the score at 11-11 in the sixth behind RBI hits from Boyette, Johnny Wendling, and Noah Caceres.

Still, UIS found itself chasing again late, trailing 16-11 entering the ninth inning after Maryville regained control.

The Prairie Stars delivered their biggest response in the final frame.

Drew Ezard scored on an RBI single by Brian Daker to start the rally, and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch forced in another run. Griffitts followed with a two-RBI single to cut the deficit to one, before Kody Morton tied the game with an RBI single. Noah Caceres then delivered the walk-off hit to complete the six-run comeback and secure the 17-16 win.

Ben Benoit made the start for the Prairie Stars, working 1 2/3 innings. Richie Snider provided the longest relief outing of the day, tossing 3 1/3 innings out of the bullpen and limiting the Saints to two runs during that time. Kyle Tyler closed the game and earned the win with three strikeouts over the final 1 2/3 innings.

Kaden Griffitts powered the offense with three hits, including two home runs, and seven RBIs. Corey Boyette turned in a big day with three hits, scoring four runs and driving in three with a pair of doubles. Noah Caceres stayed hot at the plate with four hits, including two doubles, and delivered the walk-off.

Head coach Chris Rodriguez described the win as resilient:

"We didn't play up to our standards, but we found a way to win. I thought Richie did a great job coming in in a tough situation and keeping us in the game. Kyle came in late and gave us a zero heading into the ninth. Our offense found a way to get it done, and they earned it. Drew, Jesse, and Brian all battled with two strikes to load the bases with no outs, getting it to the top of the lineup with Noah putting the game away with a base hit."

The series continues Saturday at noon at the UIS Baseball Field.