Late outburst by O’Fallon sends Gems to home setback

QUINCY — Quincy Gems pitchers were tattooed for 17 hits in a 16-4 loss on Thursday night to the O’Fallon Hoots in a Prospect League game at QU Stadium.

The Gems (5-10) were as close as 7-3 after six innings, but the Hoots scored four runs in the seventh inning and five runs in the eighth to cruise to the easy victory.

O’Fallon shortstop Mike Maloney had four hits and drove in five runs. Lucas Loos had two of Quincy’s six hits, including a home run. He also drove in two runs and scored three runs.

Starter Philip Reinhardt allowed four runs in three innings. Reliever Josh Hempelman allowed seven runs in three innings, and reliever Connor Schwindeler allowed five runs while recording just one out in the ninth inning.