Ben Benoit delivered a solid performance on the mound, pitching 5 innings-more than triple his season average-and allowing 3 earned runs on 8 hits. He struck out 6 batters swinging, well above his average, while issuing just 1 walk, throwing a season-high 97 pitches with 55 strikes. Jaden Mathon struggled in relief, yielding 4 earned runs on 5 hits in just 2/3 of an inning. Derek Huberprovided stability out of the bullpen, pitching a personal best of 3 innings and allowing 2 earned runs, while recording 1 strikeout and maintaining a WHIP of 1.00. He also threw a season-high 45 pitches. Kyle Tyler contributed a brief but effective appearance, retiring his only batter faced on 3 pitches.
Tommy Atkinson recorded three runs, two hits, and three RBIs, including a home run, showcasing his effectiveness at the plate with at least two hits in five consecutive games. Corey Boyettecontributed with a home run and a season-high four RBIs, reaching base with three walks, which was also his season high. Kaden Griffitts added one run, one hit, and one RBI, highlighted by a home run. Drew Ezard scored twice and hit a home run, driving in one run with his performance.
Davenport took an early lead in the first inning with a homer by Wyatt Epple and an RBI single from Aiden Warn, putting them ahead 2-0. The Prairie Stars were held scoreless in their half, ending the inning with Davenport leading 2-0.
In the bottom of the second, Drew Ezard hit a solo home run to left center, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Davenport maintained its lead through two innings with a score of 2-1.
Davenport added another run in the third inning with a solo home run by Aiden Warn, extending its lead to 3-1. The Prairie Stars could not respond in their half, leaving the score at 3-1 after three innings.
The Prairie Stars took the lead in the fourth inning after Chris Suchoski scored on a balk. Kody Morton then delivered a two-RBI single, pushing them ahead 4-3. The score stood at 4-3 after four innings.
Kaden Griffitts homered to left center in the fifth inning, adding another run for the Prairie Stars and increasing their lead to 5-3. The score remained 5-3 through five innings.
Davenport’s offense erupted in the sixth with a two-run homer by Cam Johnson and RBI doubles from Wyatt Epple and Cody Hultink, reclaiming the lead at 7-5. The Prairie Stars could not score in their half, ending the inning with Davenport ahead 7-5.
In the seventh inning, the Prairie Stars responded with a six-run rally. Jesse Contreras walked to drive in a run, followed by Tommy Atkinson’s RBI single. Corey Boyette then hit a four-RBI home run, launching the Prairie Stars to an 11-7 lead.
The Prairie Stars further extended their lead in the eighth with Tommy Atkinson’s two-run homer, making it 13-7. Davenport was unable to score, leaving the inning with the Prairie Stars leading 13-7.
Davenport managed to score two runs in the ninth inning, but the Prairie Stars held on to secure a 13-9 victory.
Up Next
The Prairie Stars will take the field again, against Davenport at 11 a.m. CT Saturday, March 7, in Springfield, Illinois.
