Solid start from Meier helps Gems move into first-place tie in Great River Division with Clinton

QUINCY — The Quincy Gems scored five runs in the first two innings, and pitcher Davin Meier pitched five shutout innings in a 5-2 victory over the Clinton Lumberkings on Wednesday night in a Prospect League game at Schweickert Stadium.

The Gems (22-22, 9-7 second half) are in a virtual tie with Clinton (8-6 second half) for first place in the Great River Division, .008 points behind. Burlington is a half-game behind both teams. The Gems play at Clinton Thursday night with a chance to take over first place.

Quincy jumped on top in the bottom of the first. Joe Siervo and Otto Jones were both walked by Clinton starter Brock Reade, and they executed a double steal to move up a base. With one out, Harry Oden singled up the middle to drive in both baserunners.

Harry Fandre walked to lead off the second. With one out, Charles Schebler grounded to first base, but the throw from first baseman Will MacLean to second base was dropped by shortstop Casey Hintz. Joe Siervo singled down the right-field line to load the bases.

Otto Jones hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Fandre, and with two outs, Lucas Loos doubled down the left-field line to score Siervo and Schebler. Loos has 42 runs batted in this season, good enough for fifth in the Prospect League.

The Gems went down in order in five of the remaining six innings, but their pitching held on to the lead. Meier allowed two hits and two walks in five scoreless innings to each the victory. Josh Hempleman pitched two scoreless innings of relief before giving up a hit and a walk in the eighth. Brian Henke allowed the two inherited runs to score but got out of the eighth with no further damage.

Closer Stephen Eskridge walked two in the ninth, but a line drive double play turned by Gems second baseman Jordan Scott wrapped up the game. The save was the fourth this season for Eskridge.