Schark breaks Prospect League record for RBIs; Gems finish last in Great River Division

BURLINGTON, Iowa — Matt Schsrk had two RBIs in Wednesday night’s final game of the season to break the single-season record, but the Quincy Gems closed the season with an 11-5 loss to the Burlington Bees in a Prospect League game at Community Field.

Schark’s two-out, two-run double to left field was part of a four-run fourth inning for the Gems. He finished the season with 68 RBIs. The Prospect League record was 66 RBIs, set in 2012 by Matthew Tellor of Springfield and Giancarlo Brugnoni of Chillicothe. 

The Gems wouldn’t score again. Burlington starter Ricky Arthur pitched a scoreless fifth inning, and relievers Jack Gray and Grady Gorgen kept Quincy scoreless for the last five innings.

Starter Jake Stipp gave up nine runs on 10 hits and took the loss. Andrew Fay played every position during the game for Gems

Clinton (17-13) won the second half championship in the Great River Division and a berth in the playoffs. Normal (16-17) was second and Quincy (14-18) was third. The loss, however, meant the Gems had the worst overall record in the division at 27-32, finishing a half-game behind the Bees (28-32).