August 7, 2008 | QUINCY, ILThe Quincy Gems were able to overcome a late rally by the DuPage Dragons and pick up a 6-5 win at QU Stadium. The Gems blew a 5-2 lead in the eighth inning but scored in the bottom half and held on for the win. With the lost, the Dragons are two games back with three games to go.
After DuPage scored first with a run in the top of the first inning the Quincy Gems quickly answered three runs of their own in the bottom half of the frame. The Gems first four batters picked up hits with Kurtis Muller putting Quincy on top with a two run single. The Gems added a third run on a double play ground ball to hold a 3-1 lead after one inning.
DuPage chipped into the lead with a run in the fifth but Quincy opened their lead up to 5-2 with two runs in the seventh, coming on a two run home run by Thomas McCormick. The Dragons rallied for three runs in the eighth, as the Gems pitchers lost their control, walking three batters in the inning.
Quincy wasted little time in grabbing their lead back, plating one run in the bottom of the eighth. Tyler Goodro started the inning off with a single and was sacrificed to second base. After a single by Justin Dunning, the Dragon pitcher was called for a balk, allowing Goodro and Dunning to advance, giving Quincy a 6-5 lead.
The Dragons loaded the bases in the top of the ninth, with all three runners reaching base by way of walk. However the Gems were able to escape with the win, as the Dragons left the bases loaded, ending the game with a strikeout.
The Dragons return to action tonight when they face the Quincy Gems at QU stadium tonight. Game time is at 6:30pm and you can hear all the action live on the Dupage Dragons website by going to www.dupagedragons.com.
Individual and group tickets are still available for the final home game on Saturday, August 9th at 7:05pm. Come out and Celebrate Dingers Birthday party with all of Dingers mascot friends. Tickets are $6 and kids five and under are FREE!!!!
