Gems miss late opportunities as losing streak reaches five

QUINCY — The inability of the Springfield Sliders’ outfielders to see the ball in the twilight allowed the Quincy Gems to climb back into the game, but the Gems squandered opportunities to take the lead in the seventh and eighth innings as they lost 8-7 in a Prospect League baseball game on Wednesday night at QU Stadium.

The Gems have lost five straight games since winning their season opener.

The Gems trailed 8-3 entering the seventh inning. Andrew Fay led off by getting hit by a pitch, and one out later, Gino D’Alessio hit his first home run of the season. After a walk to Alec Patino, Matt Schark and Tyler Carpenter followed with what appeared to be routine fly balls to center field. However, the Sliders’ Ty Sifferman couldn’t find either ball, and the two singles loaded the bases.

After Alex Wattermann struck out, Ryan Hutchinson hit a fly ball into the right-center field gap that Sliders right fielder Eric Martin didn’t see off the bat. The ball dropped in for a two-run single.

Carter Bither was at the plate with a chance to drive in the tying run, but when Hutchinson stole second base, Carpenter was picked off third.

The Gems loaded the bases in the eighth on three walks, but Schark struck out to end the rally. Quincy went down in order in the ninth.

Schark hit a two-run homer in the first inning for the Gems. Wattermann retired 12 consecutive batters in relief and allowed one hit in 4 2/3 innings.