Solid relief performance by Wienhoff helps Gems secure home victory

QUINCY — Not even a home run with two outs in the ninth inning could spoil Hunter Wienhoff’s relief performance.

The Quincy High School graduate allowed a home run to O’Fallon’s Ryan Malzahn on a 3-2 count, then struck out Cade Hohl to complete the Quincy Gems’ 4-2 victory over the Hoots in a Prospect League game on Wednesday night at QU Stadium.

Starter Logan Tabeling also was sharp for the Gems, allowing two hits, one walk and one run in four innings while striking out seven. Wienhoff was slightly better, allowing two hits, one walk and one run in five innings while striking out eight to earn the victory.

O’Fallon scored first on Josh Gibson’s double in the third inning. The Gems countered with a run of their own in the bottom of the frame. Dane Thomas walked, moved to second on Andrew Fay’s single, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Gino D’Alessio’s sacrifice fly.

Jake Skrine, whose .475 batting average is .003 behind league leader Lukas Galdoni of Champion City, ripped a two-run home run in the fourth to put Quincy ahead for good.

Quincy (10-13) scored an insurance run in the seventh. Ryan Hutchinson walked, moved to second on a balk, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Thomas.