Doggy Paddlers hit two home runs in opener, Bees’ pitching owns nightcap in doubleheader split

QUINCY — The Quincy Doggy Paddlers flexed some muscle Sunday, while the Burlington Bees pitching staff was stingy, resulting in a Prospect League doubleheader split at QU Stadium.

The Doggy Paddlers hit two home runs in winning the first game 5-2, while three Bees combined to shut out Quincy 1-0 in the second game.

In the opener,  Patrick Wajda struck out eight hitters and allowed just three hits and two runs, and Hunter Steelman earned a five-out save as the Doggy Paddlers won 5-2.

Wajda (2-0) allowed a two-run homer to Keanu Stevens in the top of the fourth inning for the Bees’ only runs. He was lifted from the game after issuing a walk and hitting a batter with one out in the sixth. Steelman induced flyballs from Dominic Teixeira and Ryan Skwarek to end Burlington’s threat.

Steelman allowed singles to Noah Company and Caleb Seibers in the seventh, but he struck out Nolan Grawe to end the game.

Quincy responded to Strevens’ homer with a pair of solo home runs in the bottom of the fourth. Wandel Campana homered to right-center field to lead off the inning, and Brayden Roberts hit a home run to left-center field with two outs.

The Doggy Paddlers took the lead for good in the fifth. Christopher Suchoski singled to lead off the frame, and Skylar Graham singled down the left-field line to move Suchoski to second. After Andrew Gould flied out, Jimmy Koza singled to center to score Suchoski. 

Shawn Scott came on in relief of Alex Logan for Burlington, and after Koza stole second, Campana singled to right to score both baserunners.

In the nightcap, Brady Kindhart’s line drive to the right-center field gap looked for sure like it would get to the wall at QU Stadium and tie the score for Quincy in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Burlington center fielder Noah Company had other ideas. 

Company’s diving catch kept Jameson Johnson from scoring from third base and preserved the shutout. Burlington reliever Braeden Sunken came in to pitch a scoreless seventh inning to earn the save and keep the shutout intact .

Bees starter Colton Clarahan allowed one hit and three walks in four innings for Burlington to earn the victory. Raul Gil pitched two innings of relief, allowing one hit and two walks.

Doggy Paddlers starter Cayman Huntsman was just as good, allowing one run, three hits and two walks while striking out eight in 5 2/3 innings. Anthony Sorrentino pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

The game’s only run came in the second inning. Corey Boyette walked with one out, and Ryan Skwarek doubled to left field to drive him in.

Burlington and Quincy combined for seven hits in the game.