Kindhart hits first home run for Doggy Paddlers, but bullpen struggles in loss to Pistol Shrimp

QUINCY — Brady Kindhart forever made himself the answer to a trivia question.

Who hit the first home run in the history of the Quincy Doggy Paddlers?

The Quincy Notre Dame graduate and Maryville University sophomore cracked the first round-tripper of the Prospect League team’s inaugural season Thursday night, belting a full-count pitch over the left-field wall for a 3-0 lead in the first inning against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp.

However, the Doggy Paddlers are still searching for an answer to another trivia question.

Which pitcher gets credited with the franchise’s first victory?

Despite Kindhart’s blast and a five-run lead after two innings, the Doggy Paddlers’ bullpen surrendered 15 runs while issuing eight walks and the defense committed four errors in a 19-7 loss at QU Stadium.

The Doggy Paddlers are 0-3, having surrendered 42 runs so far.

Taking advantage of Pistol Shrimp starter Henry Rouch’s wildness, the Doggy Paddlers put two runners on courtesy of walks ahead of Kindhart, who followed with his first Prospect League hit. He also homered for his first collegiate hit, smacking a grand slam for Maryville back in March.

In the second inning, Kindhart delivered again as two of three hitters ahead of him walked and he hit a one-out, RBI single. A groundout plated another run for a 5-0 lead.

However, the Pistol Shrimp scored four times in the fourth inning and took the lead with a three-run fifth that featured Quincy University right-hander Alex Pickus walking the first three batters and allowing the first run to score on a wild pitch.

Quincy had just five hits, while Illinois Valley collected 15 hits, including three doubles and two home runs.

The Doggy Paddlers will complete a three-game homestand Friday by playing host to the Alton River Dragons at 6:30 p.m.