QUINCY – The Quincy Doggy Paddlers wrapped up their inaugural season on Thursday with a 12-2 loss to Burlington in Prospect League action, finishing up their season at 16-38.
Although it was a tough night to cap off a tough season, the home finale was special for Quincy with a fireworks show to end the night. Burlington out hit Quincy 15-5. Burlington won the season series 8-5 over Quincy.
“It’s been a tough season,” said Quincy third baseman Jimmy Koza. “It’s hard to get out here and grind but tonight was fun we had a great showing of fans watching us play ball. It was a lot of fun.”
Koza went 1-for-3 in the season finale against the Bees. Koza ended the season with a batting average of .296 with four home runs, 48 runs scored, 20 stolen bases and 30 RBIs, playing in all 54 games.
He talked about how great of a feeling playing for Quincy in the Prospect League was once again this season.
“This is a great city for baseball,” said Koza. “Quincy is hungry for it all the time and we’re so glad it’s back, I’m so glad it’s back. Brad (Gyorkos) is so glad it’s back. We just want to play in front of the fans, it’s super important to us.”
QND alum Tyler Dance got the start on Thursday, dropping to 0-4 as a starting pitcher. He had three strikeouts, while allowing eight hits, three runs and a walk.
Burlington starting pitcher Blake Gaskey improved to 4-1 as a starter. Gaskey threw eight strikeouts, allowing five hits, two runs and a walk.
Outside of a second inning home run from Carter Jones that scored him and right fielder Brayden Roberts, the Doggy Paddlers didn’t have much to show offensively.
Burlington right fielder Owen Nowak went 3-for-5 with two runs and an RBI as the Bees leadoff hitter. Designated hitter Cole Yearsley hit a grand slam in the top of the eighth to really put the game out of reach for Quincy from trailing 5-2 to 9-2.
Burlington went 15-for-41 at bat as a team compared to Quincy going 5-for-32.
Koza on playing another season under Coach Gyorkos.
“He’s super passionate just like me no matter what our record is,” said Koza. “It was a tough year this year but he manages the game well no matter what our record is. Our first year we were super good and his approach was still just like that. He was consistently managing the same exact way, he’s the most consistent manager in this league.”
Quincy along with finishing 16-38, they went 11-27 in the western conference. The Doggy Paddlers went 10-18 at home and 6-20 on the road this season.
“Summer league baseball is different than college because you have guys coming in and out, said Koza. “You never know how long anybody is staying. That is super tough, but the guys staying you’re having the time of your life.”
Koza gave his final thoughts on the experience he’s had playing for Quincy over the years.
“All of my best friends came from baseball, through all of these seasons,” said Koza. “Three summers of college baseball, I’ve found so many best friends and it’s just super cool to play with everyone.”