One-hit shutout, explosive fourth inning send Gems to fifth straight victory

QUINCY — Three Quincy Gems pitchers combined on a one-hit shutout and the offense exploded for eight runs in the fourth inning of Friday night’s 11-0 seven-inning whitewashing of the O’Fallon Hoots in Prospect League action at QU Stadium.

Right-handed starter Ryan Foley struck out four over 2 ⅔ hitless innings. Right-hander Jake Syverson followed by striking out three over 2 ⅓ hitless innings. Right-hander Tanner Gerdes struck out five over the final two innings, while allowing a two-out single in the sixth inning.

It is the Gems’ first shutout of the season and their fifth victory in a row.

A bases-loaded sacrifice fly to center field by Jake Zebig in the first inning gave the Gems the lead, and they tacked on two runs in the second inning when Kyle Hvidsten doubled leading off and Cam Suto followed with a two-run home run.

In the fourth, the Gems put the game away. They loaded the bases with no outs as Jimmy Koza walked, Hvidsten singled and Suto walked. Zebig followed with an RBI single, and Luke Jessen forced in another run with a walk.

Otto Jones greeted O’Fallon reliever Kaden oggerst with a two-run single, before a walk reloaded the bases. After a pair of strikeouts, Koza launched a grand slam to left field to make it 11-0.

Hvidsten went 3 for 4 and Suto went 3 for 3 as the Gems (10-12) collected 12 hits and took advantage of six walks.