Gems muster just one hit, now tied with Illinois Valley for worst record in Prospect League

CLINTON, Iowa — Ryan Hutchinson’s single in the sixth inning was the only hit for the Quincy Gems in a 7-0 loss Saturday night to the Clinton LumberKings in a Prospect League game at NelsonCorp Field.

Jakob Kirman pitched seven innings for Clinton, walking none and striking out four. T.J. Deardorff and Casey Day both pitched an inning of scoreless relief for the LumberKings. 

Andrew Fay and Carter Bither both reached base on an error in the second inning for the Gems, and Bryce Miller was hit by a pitch in third inning. Clinton pitchers retired the last 13 Quincy batters they faced.

Barry, Ill., native Matt Shover earned his first start for the Gems, allowing four runs and seven hits in 4 ⅓ innings. 

The Gems and the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp are tied for the worst record in the Prospect League at 2-7. The Gems are last in the league in hitting with a .205 team batting average.