Hoots pitcher shuts down Gems’ offense

QUINCY — Masen Palmier finally slowed down the Quincy Gems.

The Gems had scored 47 runs in their last three games, but Palmier shut out the Gems for the first six innings as the O’Fallon Hoots won 5-1 on Thursday night in a Prospect League game at QU Stadium.

Palmer allowed four hits and four walks while striking out five. The Gems scored their only run in the seventh inning when Bryce Maag hit a solo homer off reliever Bryce Wear. Hoots reliever Josh Dima entered the game with one out in the eighth and struck out five consecutive batters to end the game.

Other than Maag’s home run, no other Gems player reached third base.

The Gems are 4-9 and are four games behind the Normal CornBelters and Clinton LumberKings, who are tied for first place in the West-Great River standings.