Home runs by Fay, Patino allow Gems to regain first place in Great River Division

QUINCY — Andrew Fay’s first home run of the season highlighted a 10-run fourth inning, and Alec Patino’s first home run of the season ended the game by the 10-run rule as the Quincy Gems defeated the Normal CornBelters 14-4 in a Prospect League game on Thursday night at QU Stadium.

The Gems (18-17, 5-3 in second half) moved into first place in the Great River Division of the West Conference. They are a half-game ahead of Burlington (4-3) and Normal (5-4).

Quincy allowed single runs in the first and third innings and was hitless through three innings. Two errors by the CornBelters put Quincy’s first two batters on base to start the fourth inning. A double steal led to the Gems’ first run. 

A walk to Jake Skrine was followed by an RBI single from Matt Schark. Walks to Danny Sperling and Jackson Galloway forced in a run, and a sacrifice fly by Patino drove in a run. Fay then followed with a line drive three-run homer that just cleared the short wall in right field.

A walk to Gino D’Alessio and a single by Ryan Hutchinson knocked out starting pitcher Nate Gorczyca. D’Alessio eventually scored on a passed ball, and Skrine walked. Schark then singled to center to score Hutchinson, and Skrine scored from first when the Schark’s single rolled under the glove of Normal center fielder Billy Gerlott.

Patino had an RBI single in the sixth. He then closed the game with a three-run homer off reliever Will Carpenter.

Alex Wattermann pitched six innings for the Gems, allowing seven hits, one walk and three runs to earn the victory. Jacob Winstead allowed one unearned run in two innings of relief.