Gems allow six runs in seventh to lose rain-shortened game in Alton

ALTON, Ill. — The Alton River Dragons overcame a four-run deficit by scoring two runs in the fifth inning and six runs in the seventh inning to defeat the Quincy Gems 10-6 in a Prospect League game on Saturday night at Lloyd Hopkins Field.

The game was called in the top of the eighth inning because of persistent lightning and after a 34-minute delay.

The Gems (12-11) remain in first place in the Great River Division, one game ahead of Normal and 1 1/2 games ahead of Clinton.

Alton (13-10) fell behind 6-2 when Quincy put up five runs in the fourth inning on just one hit. The Gems took advantage of two walks, a hit batsman and two fielding errors. 

One of the errors was by River Dragons first baseman Marcus Heusohn on a slow chopper to his left of first base. He fielded a ground ball hit by Dylan Wipperman that normally would be a play for the second baseman. He tried to throw back to first base, but starting pitcher Matthew Romero was late covering the bag with two outs. Heusohn’s throw was errant, and three runs scored on the play as Quincy’s lead grew from 3-2 to 6-2.

However, the Gems didn’t score again. They were limited to six hits by three Alton pitchers. No Gems player had more than one hit. Jonathan Latham had a single and was walked twice.

Ryan Chmielewski was the losing pitcher, allowing four hits, two walks and six runs while recording just four outs.