Gems working to get up to speed as Prospect League season opens

QUINCY — Brad Gyorkos sensed something missing during the Quincy Gems’ first full-team workout Tuesday.

“There wasn’t a lot of energy,” the first-year Gems manager said.

He understood why.

“People don’t know each other,” Gyorkos said. “They’re trying to get used to playing next to each other.”

He doesn’t think it will take long to get past that.

“Once the first pitch happens and they get in a groove and start competing a little bit, I think that will take care of itself,” Gyorkos said. “I’m not going to micromanage. I’m going to be, ‘Hey, let’s play baseball and have a good time.’ Winning’s going to take care of itself.”

Gyorkos hopes starting the season on the road helps, too.

“The bus is where you’re going to build relationships,” he said. “Some are here for only a month. Some are here for two months. But you’re going to be with the same people every single day, and once we start learning each other, we’re going to be OK and start winning games.”

The season got off to a tough start Wednesday night with a 15-5 loss to the Burlington Bees at Community Field in Burlington, Iowa.

The Bees scored five times in the first inning and finished the game with a grand slam from A.J. Henkle in the seventh. Henkle hit for the cycle, going 4 for 5 with six RBIs.

Gems catcher Otto Jones went 2 for 3 with a double, home run and three RBIs. Quincy shortstop Andrew Fay went 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Each of the Gems’ three pitchers allowed at least four runs apiece.

The teams will square off again Thursday night before the Gems open their home schedule at 6:35 p.m. Friday against the Clinton LumberKings.

Gyorkos expects better things ahead as more of the players filter to Quincy. Currently, five prospective players — three from Missouri State and one each from Oklahoma and Oral Roberts — are still playing in the NCAA Division I tournament.

Once everyone arrives, Gyorkos is confident the depth and maturity of the group will emerge.

“We have some experience that is going to help us win some baseball games,” he said.

And he’s ready to see this team on the field and enjoy the summer.

“It’s the best,” Gyorkos said. “For me, I’m excited to play baseball in the summer and be a part of it and be at the yard every single day. There’s no place I’d rather be.”