Clinton’s six-run first inning too big of a hill for Gems to climb

CLINTON, Iowa — The Clinton LumberKings scored six runs in the first inning, then added two more in the third inning and five in the fourth as they easily rolled to a 14-4 victory over the Quincy Gems in a Prospect League game on Tuesday night at NelsonCorp Field.

The Gems (4-3) are one game behind first-place Normal (5-2) in the Great River Division.

Quincy starter Kolby Kiser walked six batters and allowed hits in the first inning. Gems reliever Cael Kolacia pitched a scoreless second before allowing an RBI single and a sacrifice fly in the third. The LumberKings then touched Kolacia for five runs, with the big blow a bases-clearing double by Cade Moss.

Zach Stewart hit an RBI double in the first inning for the Gems, and Stewart and Gabe Swansen drew bases-loaded walks in the second inning for Quincy. Tye Wood’s RBI single led to Quincy’s final run in the sixth. The game was called after seven innings by the 10-run rule.

Wood and Lucas Loos both had two hits for the Gems.