ST. LOUIS – Despite a career day from sophomore right-hander Sam Cardwell, the Maryville baseball team could not overcome the Illinois-Springfield Prairie Stars, losing 13-6. 

Cardwell, in his fourth start of the season, dominated on the mound for five innings, giving up just one hit while punching out six. 

The Prairie Stars feasted on the bullpen after Cardwell was done, scoring 13 runs, including eight in the top of the ninth. Both Cole Christman and Dominic Sharp impressed from the plate, as both had two doubles in the contest. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
After Cardwell had shut down UIS over five, Braeden Sunken came in and kept it going, tossing a scoreless sixth frame. It was the seventh where the runs started as the visitors plated two. 

Unable to respond in the latter half of the frame, UIS kept their foot on the gas, jumping to a 5-0 lead. A Matt Arnold RBI single and a Jace Burton fielders choice made it 5-2 going into the final frame. 

Two straight Saints' pitchers came into the contest, unable to record an out and before you could blink, the score was out of reach. Patrick Kappler and Jeffrey Henry combined for the final three outs of a rough inning. 

RBI doubles by Christman and Aaris Stolte were too-little-too-late as the Saints fell 13-6. 

UP NEXT
The Saints will get a much needed change of scenery, going on the road for just the second time this year. The team heads to McKendree this weekend, with game one set for 
Friday, March 28.