Errors, walks contribute to Blue Devils struggling in WB6 doubleheader sweep by Panthers

EAST MOLINE, Ill. — The Quincy High School baseball team surrendered eight runs in Saturday’s Western Big 6 Conference doubleheader against United Township.

Not a single run was earned.

The Blue Devils committed five errors total in getting swept 3-0 and 5-3, running their conference losing streak to five straight games. They have committed 11 errors in those five games combined, leading to 14 unearned runs.

In the opening game against UT, Quincy right-hander Kyle Taylor allowed just three hits, while walking three and striking out five. The Panthers tagged him for two runs in the third inning when a hit batter, an error, a sacrifice fly and another error led to both tallies. A passed ball in the sixth inning moved a runner into scoring position as UT added an insurance run.

Quincy (9-13, 3-6 WB6) was limited to four hits with Nate Konrad collecting two of those, including a double.

In the nightcap, the Blue Devils grabbed the lead with a run in the top of the first inning as Brady Lowe doubled with one out to score Evan Sohn. However, the Panthers responded with four runs in the bottom of the frame against starter Jansen Lawson.

An error, a walk, a groundout and a passed ball led to UT’s first run. Three consecutive walks and a hit batter forced in the next three runs before a double play got Quincy out of the inning.

The Blue Devils scored twice in the third inning as Konrad delivered a two-out, two-run single, but a wild pitch and an error contributed to the Panthers taking on a run in the fifth.

Lawson walked six and allowed three hits in 4 ⅔ innings with three strikeouts in suffering the loss. Quincy was limited to just three hits by four UT pitchers.