Hannibal Cavemen Lead Early, Lose 15-7 at Quincy Thursday

The Quincy Gems win the latest round of the Battle for the Paddle Thursday night by knocking off the Hannibal Cavemen 15-7.

Hannibal took a big lead early, scoring two in the second on an error and a two-run homer by second baseman Sam Griggs.

The Cavemen added four more in the third on RBI singles by center fielder Justin Blechle and third baseman Seth Soto and a two-run double by right fielder Stefan Miladinovich.

Quincy jumped on Cavemen starter Sam Cottingham-Beard for six runs of their own in the bottom of the third. Designated Hitter Taylor Schwaner drove in a run with a double, followed by a three-run homer by first baseman Anthony Villa and a two-run blast by second baseman Jason Walters.

The Gems took the lead for good in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Villa. They added five in the fifth and three in the sixth to put the game away.

The loss drops the Cavemen to 3-12. The Gems play at Clemens Field Friday night at 6:35 p.m. You can listen to the live webcast by going here.