Hoots Lead Early, Fall Late to Gems

Game One: Plumley Goes Five Strong in Loss

Ben Plumley (University of Illinois)  turned in another solid start on the mound. Plumley went five innings, scattering five hits, walking four, and striking out six. This was the third time this season Plumley achieved five innings in an appearance. His final strikeout came in his final inning, which stranded runners at the corners to end the threat. 

Ambrose Russo (Lindenwood) impressed in his Hoots debut, registering a hit, a stolen base and he was able to show off a strong arm in center field. After Cade Hohl (Purdue) scored on an error in the first, Alex Adams’ (Missouri Baptist) drove in Jake McCutcheon (Missouri State) via a sacrifice fly. 

Game Two: Clohisy Drives in Two, Hoots fall to Gems 9-7

In Game 2, the Hoots turned the ball over to Alfred Ulloa (East Central College). Ulloa, who was making his first start for O’Fallon since June 14th, was able to complete three-plus innings. Racking up four strikeouts in his outing, Ulloa again showcased his fastball velocity and breaking ball control against the Gems hitters. 

At the plate, the Hoots hitting was contagious starting in the second inning. With one out, O’Fallon hitters connected for four consecutive base hits, which ultimately led to a Patrick Clohisy (Saint Louis University) 2-run double. In the frame, the Hoots scored the first four runs of the game. 

Kaden Byrne (Drury University), who got the start as the designated hitter, lived up to that role by recording two separate RBI singles and scored a run in the game as well. Ryan Malzahn (SEMO), Andy Bunton (Maryville), and Cade Hohl (Purdue) all added RBIs in the game as well. 

Quincy battled back in the contest. After trailing 7-1 in the fourth, the Gems brought the game back to a one-run ballgame. 

Logan Mantz (Missouri-St Louis) entered the game on the mound during that fourth frame. He threw a shutout fifth inning and recorded four strikeouts in his outing. However, the Gems continued to tack on runs. After one run in the sixth, the Gems added two more in the seventh off of Ole Arntson (SIU-Edwardsville) to secure the lead. The Gems won the game by a score of 9-7.