Pistol Shrimp catcher clubs three homers as Gems get walloped at home
QUINCY — Jack Zebig hit a grand slam in the bottom of the first inning for the Quincy Gems during Friday night’s Prospect League game against the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp.
Nothing went right for the Gems after that.
Ryan Bakes, a high school catcher who has signed to play at South Carolina, went 5 for 5 with five runs scored, three home runs and six runs batted in as the Pistol Shrimp routed the Gems 16-4.
The Gems (19-20, 6-5 second half) are in last place in the Great River Division. All four teams in the division have a winning record. The Gems trail first-place Burlington by one game, and they are percentage points behind Illinois Valley and Clinton.
Starter P.J. Schmitt, who graduated from South Shelby High School in May, gave up seven runs, seven hits and three home runs in two innings for the Gems. Reliever Josh Hempleman allowed five runs in two innings, and reliever Brian Henke gave up four runs (including two homers) in three innings.
Reliever Justin Rios allowed three hits and pitched four scoreless innings to earn the victory for Illinois Valley.
The Gems had three hits in the first inning and collected only three more the rest of the game.
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