Things To Do In Hannibal Mo

Gems clinch spot in playoffs with historic offensive night

Herald-Whig Sports Writer

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- Even as the 90-degree temperature and humid air turned Clemens Field into a sweat box, nothing was hotter Thursday night than the Quincy Gems' lineup.

The Gems hit four home runs and pounded out 20 hits to defeat the Hannibal Cavemen 22-8.

"We heated up with the temperature I guess," said Gems third baseman Bryan Lippincott, who went 5 for 6 with 4 RBI.

The 22 runs are a franchise record for the Gems, who have been in existence since 1996. Quincy's previous single-game scoring record was 19, which it accomplished in a 19-2 win against the Springfield Rifles during Central Illinois Collegiate League play on July 29, 1998.

The win clinches the first half of the season West Division title for the Gems, earning them a spot in the Prospect League's playoffs. The Gems, who improved to 18-6, have now qualified for the playoffs in each of the Prospect League's three years in existence.

By winning the first half, the Gems will get to host their divisional playoff game against the team that earns the West's playoff berth for the second half of the season.

"We knew coming out we had a chance to close out the first half in a big way," Lippincott said. "It was no secret we didn't play well last week, and we just came out tonight looking to make a statement."

Other than maybe Lippincott, no one made a bigger statement than Quincy's left fielder Matt Baer. He blasted a two-run home run in the third inning and belted a grand slam over the same spot of the wall in left-center field in the fourth inning. Both home runs traveled about 390 feet.

Baer also tripled in the fifth to drive home two runs and finished 3 for 6 with eight RBI and four runs scored.

"I had a two-home run game last year in the Prospect League (while playing for Slippery Rock), and I just always remember that night, and I'm sure I'll always remember this night too," Baer said. "It definitely was a special night to do something like that and contribute in a game that matters."

Gems pitching coach Brandon DeJaynes said Baer worked before the game on narrowing his batting stance and limiting his bat movement prior to the pitch. The results were immediate.

SuperKate: Five things Friday

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