Three more pitchers combine on another four-hitter as Gems move within half-game of first

CLINTON, Iowa — Three pitchers combined on a four-hitter for the second consecutive night for the Quincy Gems, who scored three runs in the sixth inning and held on to defeat the Clinton LumberKings 3-2 on Monday night in a Prospect League game at NelsonCorp Field.

The Gems (4-2) moved within a half-game of first-place Normal (4-1) in the Great River Division. The Cornbelters were rained out Monday and will play a doubleheader against Burlington on Tuesday.

Quincy starter Bennett Stice, a native of Palmyra, Mo., gave up runs in the first and fifth innings. He completed six innings, allowing four hits and three walks.

The Gems didn’t get a baserunner to third in the first five innings. Gabe Swansen, Matthew Batts and Zach Stewart opened the sixth with singles to load the bases. After Nolan Wosman flied out, Jordan Duncan hit into a fielder’s choice, allowing Swansen to score. Jonathan Latham then doubled in Batts and Stewart.

Ryan Chmielewski, a freshman from Southwest Minnesota State, came in to pitch the seventh and eighth innings, allowing two walks but no hits. Andrew Fay, who plays at Culver-Stockton College, earned the save with a perfect ninth inning.

Latham and Stewart combined for four of the Gems’ eight hits.