UW-Platteville split a non-conference doubleheader at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill. Tuesday, with the Pioneers cruising to an 11-3 win in the opener and the Prairie Fire scoring four in the bottom of the seventh for a 4-3 win.
The Pioneers (11-16-2) rode the complete-game pitching performance of freshman Andy Smith and a 14-hit attack in the opener. UWP led 3-1 when it exploded for four runs in both the fifth and sixth innings.
Smith scattered 10 hits but allowed just three runs. He walked one and struck out four for his first collegiate win.
Jacob Bandy drove in three runs, and he was one of five Pioneers with two hits.
The Pioneers were one out away from a sweep in game two, but Adam Estergard's bases-loaded single brought home two runs for Knox (10-14).
Joe Lange had a two-hit shutout going into the seventh until the Prairie Fire strung together three hits after a leadoff error to steal the win.
Jason Jacobson and Mike Kuhn each had two hits for the Pioneers, who are scheduled to host UW-La Crosse Wednesday at 1 p.m.
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