QUINCY -- The Quincy Gems' offensive struggles in the second half of the season continued Monday night as they lost 7-0 to the Springfield Sliders in a Prospect League game at QU Stadium.
The Gems didn't get their first hit until the fourth inning when Jake Walters singled to center, but he was erased on a double play.
Quincy had failed to take advantage of two walks in the fifth inning. The Gems had two runners on in the sixth when Mitch Carriger singled and Walters walked, but both were left stranded.
Carriger also singled in the eighth.
While the Gems struggled for hits for the fourth time in five games in the second half, Springfield pounded out 15 hits against three Quincy pitchers. A five-run fourth inning against starter and loser Colan Treml and reliever Glenford Sanchez put the Sliders comfortably ahead.
Left-hander Alex Ruxlow pitched five innings of scoreless relief for the Gems, allowing just three hits.
The Gems (19-18 overall), the first-half champions in the West Division, are 1-4 in the second half. Springfield is 4-1 in the second half.