BEES 14, CORNBELTERS 10: The Perfect Formula To Start The Second Half

By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

The answer to five was six.

The answer to five was one over the next four.

It sounds like a couple of crazy math equations, but it was how the Burlington Bees defeated the Normal CornBelters 14-10 in Saturday’s Prospect League second-half opener at Community Field.

The Bees fell behind 5-0 after the top of the first inning, then came back with six runs of their own in the bottom of the inning, starting a night of scoreboard action that ended when reliever Zach Leuschen got Jackson Smith to ground out to end the game with runners on second and third.

“Going down five, before you even hit, it was kind of tough,” Bees manager Owen Oreskovich said. “But you know what? You could see it didn’t bother our guys. They’re going to go up there, take their (at-bats), and piece something together.”

“First inning, out on the field, the energy wasn’t there,” said shortstop Kooper Schulte, who had four hits and drove in three runs. “Once we got the six runs, we had great energy. We knew we could pull this thing out.”

Bees starting pitcher Danny Harris gave up four hits in that first inning, including a three-run home run to Jack Novak.

But Burlington bounced back right away, starting with Cole Yearsley’s single to lead off the inning.

“Cole got us going,” Schulte said. “And the whole lineup kept it going.”

Yearsley scored on Miles Risley’s single, then Mason Schwalbach drove home two runs with a single. Schulte followed with a home run to left-center field, and Caleb Seibers followed with the first of his two home runs, and suddenly the Bees had a 6-5 lead.

Normal tied the game in the top of the second inning on an unearned run, then Harris (2-2) held them scoreless over the next three innings.

“I was hoping after that first inning (Harris) would go out there and throw up zeros, and he pretty much did that, with one run over the next four innings,” Oreskovich said. “He showed he still had it, and I wanted to see that out of him.”

The Bees took the lead with a three-run third inning. Schwalbach’s double drove in Jace Figuereo. Seibers hit a two-run home run two batters later.

Burlington finished the game with 17 hits.

Openers seem to agree with Schulte — he hit for the cycle on Opening Day, going 5-for-5 in the 12-5 win over Quincy.

“It’s been a while since the other opening night,” Schulte said.

Schulte, who hit .268 at Iowa this season, had a 4-for-23 stretch at the plate for the Bees midway through June, but he’s batting .444 since then. He’s batting .337 overall and is currently on a five-game hitting streak.

“He was seeing the ball well tonight,” Oreskovich said. “He got a couple of infield singles on good hard-90s. He plays the game right, he plays the game hard. And that’s always good to see.”

Schwalbach, Schulte and Seibers, the 5-6-7 hitters in the Bees’ lineup, combined to go 9-for-15 with nine runs batted in.

“When you can have that kind of production from that part of the order, you’re going to have a good night,” Oreskovich said.

The Bees finished the first half in second place in the Northwest Division. The message for the second half, Schulte said, was easy.

“We just want to keep going,” he said. “Playoffs, playoffs, playoffs.”

Box score

Photo: Bees shortstop Kooper Schulte (9) is greeted at home plate by Mason Schwalbach (23) and Caleb Seibers after his two-run home run in the first inning. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)

DOGGY PADDLERS 6, BEES 4: Rodgers Gives A Strong Start

By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

The 95th and last pitch of the night for Burlington Bees starting pitcher Jackson Rodgers was hit on the ground to second baseman Ethan McDonald.

McDonald threw to first to get Quincy’s Jimmy Koza for the last out of the seventh inning, and Rodgers pumped his fist and let out a yell.

Rodgers’ performance was one of the best of the season for a Bees starter, but it was wasted when Quincy rallied for four runs over the last two innings for a 6-4 win in Friday’s Prospect League game at Community Field.

Rodgers allowed two runs and seven hits, striking out five while walking one.

“He did a hell of a job,” Bees manager Owen Oreskovich said. “I haven’t had anyone do that this year. He did everything he could to deserve that win.”

Rodgers, a sophomore from Western Illinois University, was making his fifth start of the season. He had gone five innings in his previous three starts, but Oreskovich knew he could get some length out of him considering how he was pitching in the early innings.

“He was throwing to contact and getting his outs, getting over the plate early, making them swing,” Oreskovich said. “Hitting’s hard, so when you get ahead and throw strikes early, you force their hand, and he did a great job of that.”

“Strikeouts are fun, but they rack up the pitch count,” Rodgers said. “I was able to get a few on some good pitches, but throwing strikes in hitters’ counts, my stuff was moving enough to where it was generating a lot of weak contact.”

It was Rodgers’ fourth start against the Doggy Paddlers this season.

“I knew I was going to have to be real sharp, because they had seen me a couple of times,” he said. “The main focus was just getting ahead, staying ahead, limiting three-ball counts, limiting free bases, and the rest would take care of itself.”

Rodgers gave up one run in the first six innings. He was able to get out of the fifth inning, when he had runners on first and second with nobody out, by striking out Ashton Ertz and getting Koza to hit into a double play.

“The defense was great behind me,” Rodgers said. “They made a couple of big plays — the big double play in the fifth, and (catcher Dylan) Shepherd threw out a guy at second (Koza was caught stealing to end the third), which was big. It was just a good way to compete against myself, show some toughness out there.”

Rodgers was at 69 pitches going into the seventh inning — the league’s pitch count limit is 95 — but gave up a leadoff single to Brady Kindhart. General Schofield grounded out for the first out of the inning, then Rodgers got into a battle with Jameson Johnson, who worked a 12-pitch at-bat into a single. Krew Bond then singled to cut the lead to 4-2.

Oreskovich, though, stayed with Rodgers, who struck out Ertz before getting Koza on the grounder.

“It was awesome,” Rodgers said. “Got to dig deep, really empty the tank, just throw my best stuff out there.”

The Bees, though, couldn’t hold the lead. Quincy got a run in the eighth inning, then took the lead in the ninth.

Reliever Erick McKendry walked the first two hitters and was replaced by Mitchell Cox, who got Wandel Campana, Rodgers’ teammate at Western Illinois, to ground a ball to shortstop Colin Schmitke. Schmitke threw to second baseman Ethan McDonald to get the force out, but McDonald threw wildly at first in an attempt to get a double play, and Johnson scored the tying run.

Koza walked, then with two outs Tyler Butina singled to score Campana and Koza.

“We’ve got to throw strikes early in the count,” Oreskovich said. “We can’t let free bases happen, it’s hurt us all year.”

Burlington finished the first half of the season 13-14 and in second place in the Northwest Division. The Bees begin second-half play with Saturday’s home game against the Normal CornBelters.

“It’s a fresh start going into tomorrow,” Oreskovich said. “The guys have been talking about it, so we’re going to see what we can do in the second half.”

Rodgers was happy with what he got out of the first half.

“It’s awesome being a place like Burlington,” he said. “Fans are great, I get to play with a great group of guys, and I feel like I’ve had a lot of success too. I feel like I’ve grown and built on each start, and I’m excited to see where I can go from here.”

Photo: Burlington Bees starter Jackson Rodgers allowed two runs in seven innings in Friday’s loss to Quincy. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)

BEES 6-11, PISTOL SHRIMP 5-10: Boyette’s Big Night Leads To Sweep

By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

Corey Boyette is in his third season with the Burlington Bees, so manager Owen Oreskovich knows what he is going to get out of him.

Boyette hitting two home runs in two games on Thursday night, then, wasn’t a surprise.

“That kid’s a stud,” Oreskovich said after the Bees swept the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp, 6-5 and 11-10, in Prospect League games at Community Field.

Boyette’s seventh-inning home run in the first game, a suspended game from June 24, proved to be the winning margin after the Pistol Shrimp rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. His second home run, a three-run shot to right field in the second game, capped a five-run sixth inning and also proved to be crucial after Illinois Valley scored three runs in the top of the seventh.

“I’m just glad to be out here helping the team,” said Boyette, who will be a senior at Lipscomb University. “It worked out where (the home runs) were pretty important. So I’m glad I could do what I could do.”

Boyette has hit .272 in his three seasons with the Bees, with 11 home runs and 59 runs batted in. He is batting .350 over his last six games, and is tied for the team lead with 21 RBIs

“When he texted me and told me he’s going to be here all summer, that was something I was extremely excited about,” Oreskovich said. “He got off to a little slow start, but he’s probably second or third on our team in RBIs. So he’s a kid you want up with runners in scoring position.”

“This is just my home away from home,” Boyette said. “Got a great relationship with the coaching staff, and I just want to come here and help them win.”

The Bees trailed 7-6 going into the bottom of the sixth before their offense broke out. Danny Rollins’ single to center field scored Kooper Schulte. Caleb Seibers’ triple scored Rollins to put Burlington in front. Three batters later, Boyette pounded a fastball from Jared Herzog (1-1) over the right-field fence.

“I expected him to go back to the heater, and he did,” said Boyette, who walked against Herzog in the fifth inning. “Didn’t miss it.”

Illinois Valley threatened in the top of the seventh inning. The Pistol Shrimp scored three runs and had runners on second and third with two outs, but Bees reliever Braeden Sunken, pitching for the second time on the night, got Kyle Gibson to ground out to end the game.

Shawn Scott (1-0) was the winning pitcher.

***Burlington Bees reliever Braeden Sunken closed out both wins. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)***

The suspended game was tied at 3 when it resumed with the Bees batting in the sixth inning, and it didn’t take them long to get runs.

Seibers and Caleb Klein each drove in runs in the sixth inning, then Boyette’s home run in the seventh pushed the lead to 6-3.

Illinois Valley got both of its runs in the seventh off Sunken, who then got A.J. Weller to ground out with a runner on second base to end the game.

Parker Lewin (1-1) was the winning pitcher. Caleb Okada (2-2) was the losing pitcher.

The first half of the Prospect League season ends on Friday — the Bees play host to Quincy — then the second half opens Saturday with the Bees playing host to Normal.

“These guys have a want to win,” Oreskovich said. “So when we can’t, it bothers them just as much as it bothers me. So it was really good to close out that first one, jump on them kind of right away (in the second game), and then finish it out. Little nervous at the end of both of them, but that’s two (wins), so can’t complain about that.”

Top photo: Burlington’s Corey Boyette hits a three-run home run in Thursday’s second game against Illinois Valley. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)

BEES 7-6, PISTOL SHRIMP 4-9: A Split To End A Long Weekend

By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

A long weekend for the Burlington Bees ended with a doubleheader split on Sunday at Community Field.

The Bees, playing their second doubleheader in a 28-hour span, defeated the Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp 7-4 in the first game before letting the second game get away, 9-6.

The Bees (11-13) are out of the race for the Northwest Division title heading into the final week first half of the Prospect League season, and manager Owen Oreskovich knows the second half has to be about consistency, something he didn’t see in Sunday’s two games.

“We had hits at the right time (in the first game),” Oreskovich said. “We had to be better throughout the game in that second game, and make pitches when we needed to.”

It had been a grueling weekend for the Bees. They travelled to Clinton on Friday and were taking batting practice there when they were told the game was postponed because of wet grounds. That forced a doubleheader on Saturday, with the LumberKings taking both games.

Then came this doubleheader, which included a make-up game from an earlier rainout.

The Bees led 2-1 and 6-4 in the second game, and couldn’t close it out. A three-run home run by Tyler Dorsch gave Illinois Valley (11-11) a 7-6 lead in the sixth inning, then Pambos Nicoloudes hit a two-run home run in the seventh for the final margin.

“They felt pretty comfortable (at the plate) in the last two innings,” Oreskovich said. “Probably most schools in the country, and we talk about it here too, talk about throwing up a zero in the next inning after you take a lead. We didn’t do that in the second game.”

Jared Rodriguez (1-1) was the winning pitcher. Zach Leuschen (0-1) took the loss.

The Bees jumped on the Pistol Shrimp early in the first game.

Mason Schwalbach had run-scoring singles in the first and second innings, and Corey Boyette had a two-run double, as Burlington built an early 4-1 lead. Caleb Seibers hit a two-run home run in the third inning — he would have another two-run shot in the second game — and Jace Figuereo had a sacrifice fly in the fifth to provide the Bees’ final run.

Alex Logan (1-2) was the winning pitcher. Braeden Sunken pitched a scoreless seventh inning for his fourth save.

Photo: Burlington’s Caleb Klein catches a fly ball in the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader against Illinois Valley. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)

BEES 10, DOGGY PADDLERS 5: Setting Up The Weekend

By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

The Burlington Bees’ first-half division title hopes rest on the next two games.

The Bees play at Clinton Friday and Saturday as the first half of the Prospect League season heads into final few games.

Burlington’s 10-5 win over the Quincy Doggy Paddlers on Thursday night at Community Field put the Bees into a better spot.

Burlington (10-10) is in second place, 3 1/2 games behind Clinton in the Northwest Division heading into the final two matchups against the LumberKings in the first half.

“We’ve got to win these two games against Clinton,” Bees manager Owen Oreskovich said. “Those are two giant games for us. And you know, Clinton’s been kind of rolling lately, so it would be good to go in there and shut them down two days in a row.”

The Bees had 18 hits against the Doggy Paddlers, taking control of the game with a three-run fourth inning and a three-run sixth.

“And we could have had a few more runs,” said Oreskovich, pointing out the 11 men left on base. “A couple of teams I’ve been around, when they start hitting like that everybody gets going. I think that’s the way it is with this team.”

The Bees rank second in the league with 180 hits, and are fifth with a .269 team batting average.

The middle of their lineup did the most damage in this game. No. 2 hitter Miles Risley was 4 for 5 and scored twice. Corey Boyette, the No. 3 hitter, was 3 of 4 and hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning that put the Bees in front to stay. Mason Schwalbach, hitting fourth, was 2 for 5 and drove in two runs. No. 5 hitter Kooper Schulte was also 2 for 5 and drove in a run.

“Those guys are coming together,” Oreskovich said. “They’re becoming really close, giving their little secrets away to each other during the game, things they see. Those are some good hitters in that lineup. So being able to learn from each other and then take that into your at bats and get good pitches and execute is the goal.”

Bees starting pitcher Jackson Rodgers (2-1) scattered five hits over five innings, striking out four.

“He gave up a couple of solo home runs, but that’s going to happen,” Oreskovich said. “I thought he pitched pretty well.”

The Bees got 11 hits in five innings off Quincy starter Hayden Steelman (1-2).

Photo: Burlington’s Corey Boyette watches his three-run home run in the fourth inning of Thursday’s game. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)

THE MONDAY HIVE: Top Of The Lineup Is Good Fit For Figuereo

By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

Jace Figuereo is the perfect leadoff hitter, because he can create havoc from the top of the Burlington Bees’ lineup.

It’s something he did for them last summer, it’s something he’s done when he’s been healthy in his career at Southeastern Community College in West Burlington.

“He was a guy if we didn’t start him that day and we were down in a game, we would want to use him, because we would always say crazy things would happen when he was up at bat,” said Justin Schulte, SCC’s head coach who filled in as the Bees’ interim manager over the weekend.

It’s a role that Figuereo enjoys.

“I’m always itching to get up there and get another chance to take an at-bat,” Figuereo said. “So, being at the top (of the lineup) always gives me a little extra opportunities.”

Figuereo, coming off a hamstring injury that affected him most of this season at SCC, has eased his way into the Prospect League season with the Bees. He joined them last week, but in four games he’s hitting .455 with a .647 on-base percentage.

“It’s just good having him at the top of the order,” Bees manager Owen Oreskovich said. “He’s going to give you good at-bats. He’s going to wreak havoc on the bases. He’s a great kid to have on your team — total team guy. And he comes from a great program. Can’t say enough good things about him.”

Figuereo, an outfielder, hit just .237 with the Bees last summer, but he said the education he received helped him at SCC this season — he hit .291 with a .409 on-base percentage in 21 games.

“I’ve learned to be more patient,” Figuereo said. “I’m not just up there swinging at everything, because it all comes down to just taking the right at-bat. I’m not always looking for an outcome. That’s one thing I learned at SCC, you can’t be outcome oriented, because those hitters usually never end up very good. So just take the at-bat and pass it on to the next guy.”

“In our last game at Indian Hills, he pinch-hit with a bad hamstring,” Schulte said. “He got a two-run single with a seven-pitch, eight-pitch at-bat. That’s the type of kid he is, he battles and brings a little something different, a little different energy to the field and the team. He can take an at-bat and wear some people down.”

Figuereo walked twice in his first game of the season with the Bees on Tuesday against Quincy. He then reached base in his first five plate appearances in Wednesday’s win over Springfield. He singled as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning of Saturday’s first game of a doubleheader against Clinton, then batted leadoff in the second game and reached base three times, including a bases-loaded walk.

There is another motivation for Figuereo, though — he’s playing in the same stadium where his father, Anibal, played in 2002 and 2004 when the Bees were a Class A Midwest League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.

“It’s awesome,” Figuereo said. “Obviously it’s a little more different, but it’s still a cool experience all the same. He came through here, and now I get a chance to play where he played. It’s really cool — it’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

What it means to him can be seen every time he comes to the plate. His routine begins when he looks into his helmet.

“When I look at my helmet, I have names of people who get me to where I am — they’ve always been my support,” Figuereo said. “I have (names of) family and some of my really, really close, tight, friends in there. It just kind of helps me relax, take my breath. That’s kind of, like, my moment.”

Then, with his bat, he draws an R in the dirt.

“That’s for my aunt Ruth,” Figuereo said. “She passed away in 2017, but I like to always have her with me everywhere. I like to have her with me everywhere I go.

“It’s really important to remember those who have been there for you a lot of the time. Never, never forget where you came from and who your real supporters are.”

Then it’s time to hit, where havoc always seems to await.

“That’s why we want him in that spot,” Oreskovich said.

Photo: Jace Figuereo watches his pinch-hit single in the first game of the Burlington Bees’ doubleheader against Clinton on Saturday. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)

LUMBERKINGS 3-11, BEES 2-6: Schulte Enjoys Time With The Team

By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

Justin Schulte got to manage a different team this weekend.

Schulte, the head baseball coach at Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, was the interim manager of the Burlington Bees for three games while manager Owen Oreskovich was attending a wedding.

It was a new experience for the veteran coach.

“It’s hard doing it for three days, but I want to do it right if I’m going to do it,” Schulte said after the Bees lost a Prospect League doubleheader to the Clinton LumberKings on Saturday night at Community Field.

The 3-2 loss in eight innings in the first game and the 11-6 loss in the second game dropped the Bees (9-8) three games behind the LumberKings (12-5) in the Northwest Division standings.

“We just didn’t do enough to win,” Schulte said. “The guys played hard. They’re a good group.”

Schulte went 1-2 in his time in the dugout — the Bees won 16-12 at Quincy on Thursday night.

“We played really good the other night — had a couple of bad outings out of the bullpen, but guys really played well offensively,” Schulte said. “Had some good innings tonight, but not enough. I thought we hit the ball extremely well tonight, just a lot of balls right at people.”

The Bees rallied from 2-0 deficit in the first game, tying the game in the sixth inning on Corey Boyette’s solo home run to right-center field.

Clinton scored the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth on Nick Venteicher’s single. Burlington had runners on first and third with one out in the bottom of the inning, but Clinton reliever Camden Clevitt struck out Mason Schwalbach and Miles Risley to end the game.

Will Schufrieder (2-1) was the winning pitcher.

The Bees took an early lead in the second game with a four-run second inning. Kooper Schulte, Justin’s son, tripled to right-center field to put Burlington up 2-1. Jace Figuereo and Cole Yearsley added run-scoring singles.

Clinton tied the game in the third inning, then took control of the game with a six-run fourth inning that was capped by Colin Coonradt’s three-run home run.

Burlington got its final runs in the fifth inning on bases-loaded walks by Dash Denton and Figuereo, but couldn’t get any closer.

Rylen Blair (1-0) was the winning pitcher. Zane Frese (0-2) took the loss.

Schulte appreciated the experience of managing the team.

“They’re here to play,” he said. “I actually spent a little time with them with early work the last couple of days, working with the infielders, talking to the pitchers. I’ve enjoyed that.”

Photo: Burlington’s Corey Boyette celebrates his home run in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader against Clinton. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)

BEES 11, LUCKY HORSESHOES 8: Risley Finds Home At Top Of Lineup

By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

Miles Risley took some time off after Iowa’s baseball season ended.

He arrived earlier this week to begin playing this summer with the Burlington Bees, and it didn’t take long for him to become a big part of their starting lineup.

Risley, hitting in the No. 2 spot for the Bees, had three hits and drove in four runs in Wednesday’s 11-8 win over the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes in a Prospect League game at Community Field.

The Bees (8-6), who stayed a game behind first-place Clinton in the Northwest Division standings, got 13 hits a night after they had just four hits in a loss to Quincy.

Getting hits in key situations was something Bees manager Owen Oreskovich focused on during an early-afternoon batting practice session.

“We did a little extra hitting today on the field, got the machine out there with the guys so they could see the ball flight on the field,” Oreskovich said. “Hopefully that helped, and we keep doing that every other day or so moving forward.”

Risley, along with right fielder Jace Figuereo, joined the team this week, and their presence at the top of the order made a big difference.

Figuereo, who was in the leadoff spot, reached base in his first five plate appearances in this game, getting two hits and scoring three runs. Risley, who struck out in his first at-bat, then reached base in his next five at-bats.

“I had a lot of opportunities to drive in runners, because we just did a great job as a team tonight,” Risley said. “It’s a great opportunity hitting in the ‘2’ hole.”

Risley hit .299 with the Hawkeyes this season, tying for the team lead with 45 runs batted in while ranking third on the team in hits with 60.

Risley started all 56 games for Iowa, and he wanted to get a little rest before joining the Bees.

“It was really good,” Risley said of the time off. “My body was really sore, so it was good to take some time, rest up, fuel up, gain some weight, and then get ready to play here.”

Risley was hit by a pitch in his first two at-bats in Tuesday’s game, and finished the game 0-for-2.

“It’s good to see him only take a day to get back into rhythm,” Oreskovich said. “Hopefully he can keep that rolling.”

The Bees batted around in the fourth and fifth innings, scoring four runs in each inning while sending 10 batters to the plate.

Mason Schwalbach and Kooper Schulte each drove in two runs for the Bees. Kila Teixiera also had three hits.

**Bees catcher Kila Teixiera tags out Springfield’s Enrico Veach at the plate in the third inning. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)**

Bees starting pitcher Reese Ellison gave up just one run over the first four innings, but the long bottom of the fourth inning seemed to take him out of his rhythm. He was charged with three of Springfield’s runs in the four-run fifth.

“I should have probably just got (reliever) Marshall (Robinson) in there in a clean inning, especially after the long inning,” Oreskovich said. “Reese did very well over the first four innings, which he’s been doing. He fills up the strike zone, and he was doing that again tonight.”

Robinson (1-0) was the winning pitcher after finishing up the fifth. Anthony Buonaura (0-1) was the losing pitcher. Mitchell Cox got out of a ninth-inning jam — Springfield loaded the bases with two outs — for his first save.

Box score

Top photo: Burlington’s Miles Risley heads to third base on Mason Schwalbach’s single in the third inning. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)

DOGGY PADDLERS 10, BEES 7: A Lot Of Runs, But Few Hits

By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

The lineup the Burlington Bees had for Tuesday’s Prospect League game against Quincy is one that manager Owen Oreskovich thinks can produce plenty of offense.

The 10-7 loss to the Doggy Paddlers at Community Field came with quite a few runs for the Bees, but not enough hits.

Burlington (7-6), which fell one game behind Clinton in the Northwest Division standings, had just four hits, all singles, getting most of its runs on the wildness of Quincy’s pitchers.

“We couldn’t find some grass with a lot of the balls we hit today,” Oreskovich said. “We got seven runs, but we couldn’t get that key hit.”

Burlington came into the game having scored just nine runs in its last four games.

“It’s kind of been that way in the last week,” Oreskovich said. “So we just need someone to step up. Literally anybody, just step up at the right time.”

The Bees scratched out their runs without a lot of bop in the lineup.

— Jace Figuereo scored on a sacrifice fly to short right field in the first inning.

— Figuereo scored on a wild pitch in the third inning.

— Miles Risley scored on Cole Yearsley’s single in the fourth inning. Yearsley moved to third on a passed ball and a wild pitch and scored on Dylan Shepherd’s grounder to first base. Keanu Spenser scored the third run of the inning on a throwing error by Quincy catcher Brayden Roberts.

— Shepherd scored on a wild pitch in the ninth inning. Nolan Grawe scored on a balk.

The Bees’ roster is rounding into shape as more players arrive. Figuereo, who played at Southeastern Community College this season, and Risley, who played at Iowa, joined the team on Tuesday.

“I was excited about that lineup,” Oreskovich said. “But we’ve got to be better at getting the big hit at the right time.”

Quincy (5-7) got five hits to produce five runs in the second inning. Harry Oden had a two-run single, Jimmy Koza drove in a run with a single, then Wandel Campana had a two-run double.

The Bees fought back to tie the game with the three-run fourth inning, but Quincy took the lead in the sixth on Koza’s single that scored Oden, who reached on a two-out error.

The Doggy Paddlers then scored four runs in the ninth inning, an outburst started by Tommy Harrison’s opposite-field home run.

Cody Shaffer (1-1) was the winning pitcher. Kyle Smith (0-1) took the loss.

Box score

Photo: Burlington’s Jace Figuereo slides into home to score a run in the third inning. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)

THE MONDAY HIVE: Spenser Happy To Be Back In Summer ‘Home’

By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

Keanu Spenser’s reason for playing a third Prospect League season with the Burlington Bees is quite simple.

“It’s just another amazing year in Burlington,” the first baseman said. “It’s hard to say no, to not come back to this place. I mean, the atmosphere, the fans, the host family, the coaches and everything, are just amazing.”

Spenser grew up in Arizona, and is currently playing at Hawaii Pacific, but the Midwest has become his summer baseball home. He has hit .299 in his career with the Bees, with 13 home runs and 56 runs batted in.

“I like the thump in his bat,” Bees manager Owen Oreskovich said. “He can hit a home run at any point in time. And he normally hits well with runners in scoring position as well, puts the ball in play more in that situation. So that’s something I really love about him.

“But even when he’s not playing, he means a lot to this team. He’s always talking in the dugout, getting guys fired up. It’s just important to have guys like that on your team. He’s a great dude.”

Spenser hit .304 with a .978 OPS in 45 games with the Bees in 2023, with 14 doubles and 10 home runs. He only played six games last season, but hit .353.

This season, Spenser is hitting .256 with three home runs, but it’s an important summer for him after his season at Hawaii Pacific, where he hit .091 in nine games.

“I didn’t play that much, really,” Spenser said. “We had a few All-Americans on the team. We just had a really good year, and that was the hand I was dealt. But, I mean, I love it over there. The team is great, the coaches are great, and I really like it.

“This summer is huge just to get back into the swing of things, get that confidence back and obviously, just be playing as much as I can. I’m working on everything, mainly just my approach at the plate, just trying to stay more aggressive, trying to take it to the pitcher instead of the pitcher coming to me.”

“I think it’s very important,” Oreskovich said. “The at-bats he’s going to get can show his coaches he can do it, especially with the wood bat. He can show he’s still got it, and that’s huge for him going forward.”

Spenser appreciates the opportunities, as a hitter, that the Prospect League provides.

“It challenges me a lot,” he said. “I mean, you get to see a wide range of arms every single year, from Division I, D-2, D-3, NAIA, and (junior-college) guys. There’s a lot of talent in this league and it challenges you.”

Spenser likes being one of the veteran players in the clubhouse, and getting a chance to play with familiar teammates from the last couple of seasons.

“The better chemistry you have as a team, it’s more fun to play every night,” Spenser said. “It just makes your team that much better, because everybody knows each other, you can goof around a little bit, and everybody relaxes and has fun.”

Spenser has the same host family, Steve and Alyssa Stewart, and that has made a difference as well.

“They are like a second family for me,” he said. “I keep in touch with them when I’m not here playing, and they were excited when I told them I was coming back. All of the host families are great — they mean a lot to this team.”

It is like home for Spenser.

“Honestly, I mean, for me, it’s been some of the most fun baseball I’ve ever played in my life,” he said. “And every year just gets better and better.”

Top photo: Keanu Spenser celebrates after his home run in the Burlington Bees’ season opener against Quincy. (Steve Cirinna/Burlington Bees)