Tough start defensively as QHS baseball team falls in season opener on road

BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Struggles defensively put the Quincy High School baseball team in a precarious position Wednesday.

The Blue Devils committed eight errors, leading to nine unearned runs, as they dropped their season opener 9-0 to Belleville West. The Maroons managed just five hits, but three came in the pivotal fourth inning when two errors contributed to a five-run frame.

Quincy trailed 1-0 when Belleville West opened the bottom of the fourth with back-to-back singles. A throwing error on a sacrifice bunt attempt allowed one run to score and a pair of runners to end up in scoring position.

One out later, a fielding error loaded the bases. A walk forced in one run, a sacrifice fly plated another and a two-run double capped the outburst.

The Blue Devils didn’t have an answer offensively. They were limited to three singles — two by Joe Schroeder and one by Jack Mettemeyer, who also walked twice. The Blue Devils struck out nine times.

Quincy is scheduled to play three more road games before playing its home opener March 23 against Kirksville.