Ninth-inning rally fizzles for Gems

NORMAL, Ill. — The Quincy Gems had the tying runs on base with two outs in the ninth inning, but Ryan Hutchinson grounded out to second for the final out in a 4-2 loss to the Clinton LumberKings in the Prospect League home opener at QU Stadium.

Alex Wattermann singled with one out, moved to third on Jack Payne’s single and scored on a wild pitch to make the score 4-2 in the ninth. Payne advanced to second on a groundout, then Jake Stipp drew a walk before Clinton reliever Logan Romasanta retired Hutchinson for the game’s final out.

Clinton scored two runs in the second inning off starter Brayden Eftink, then added two more runs in the eighth.

Payne accounted for the Gems’ other run when he doubled, moved to third on Jake Stipp’s single and scored on a fielder’s choice in the fifth inning. 

Clinton starter Matt Scherrman allowed one run on five hits over seven innings while striking out seven.