By JOHN BOHNENKAMP
The Burlington Bees had a chance to beat the Quincy Gems and the approaching thunderstorm.
They couldn’t do the latter and will have to wait a while to have a chance to do the former.
The Bees gave up three runs in the top of the ninth inning, leading to a 4-4 tie in Friday’s Prospect League game that was suspended heading into the 10th inning because of rain.
The two teams will complete the game before their regularly scheduled game on July 17.
The Bees sailed into the ninth inning behind the strong pitching of starter Jared Townsend and reliever Jaden Siemer, who combined to allow just two hits and a fourth-inning run.
But closer Jake Jakubowski and the Bees’ defense couldn’t complete the win.
Jakubowski’s first pitch of the night was hit right back to him by Quincy’s Lucas Black. The carom headed to the third-base line, and Black was able to reach on a single.
Lucas Loos fouled out for the first out of the inning, then Jack Zebig singled. Otto Jones followed with a soft line drive into the center field that Trent Rice misplayed for an error, loading the bases. Jakubowski then hit Harry Fandre with a pitch, forcing in a run.
Easton Mains then hit a grounder that first baseman Keanu Spenser bobbled as he attempted to go to second base for a force out and a possible double play. Spenser then tried to throw the ball to Jakubowski covering first base, but the ball got away. Zebig and Jones scored to tie the game.
After a scoreless bottom of the ninth, the game was suspended as lightning flashed over Community Field. The thunderstorm that followed brought heavy rain that led to the game being halted for the night.
Townsend, making his first start of the season for the Bees, worked five strong innings, allowing two hits while walking two. Siemer took over and was almost perfect — the only baserunner he allowed was a walk to Mains in the eighth.
Burlington took a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning. Jaden Hackbarth drove in two runs with a single and Mason Schwalbach drew a bases-loaded walk.
The Bees added a run in the eighth when Caleb Wulf’s double, his fourth hit of the game, drove in Tanner Holland.
Burlington had plenty opportunities for more runs, but left 15 baserunners.
Photo: Bees starting pitcher Jared Townsend allowed one run in five innings. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)
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