Pistol Shrimp go 3-3 in first week of season

The defending Prospect League champion Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp opened the season going 3-3 for the week.

After the Shrimp lost the season opener 7-0 to the Clinton LumberKings on the road, they traveled to Quincy to sweep the Doggy Paddlers in a two-game set before winning the home opener 9-3 over the Normal CornBelters.

Illinois Valley lost 7-3 to the CornBelters in Peru on Saturday before losing at Clinton on Sunday.

WEEKLY RECAP

LumberKings 7, Pistol Shrimp 0: Conner Prahl had three of the Shrimp’s seven hits, including a double. Princeton native Danny Cihocki started and threw four innings, allowing one unearned run on two hits with eight strikouts and two walks.

Pistol Shrimp 11, Doggy Paddlers, 0 (7 inn.): Prahl was 1 for 1 with three RBIs and a run, AJ Weller went 3 for 4 with a run and an RBI and Justin Lang went 1 for 3 and scored three runs. Kollin Asbury earned the win as he threw five scoreless innings, giving up one hit while striking out five and walking three.

Pistol Shrimp 19, Doggy Paddlers 7: Thomas Lynch and Amir Gray homered as the Shrimp had 15 hits and 19 runs. Lynch was 4 for 5 with four RBIs and three runs scored, and Gray was 3 for 5 with four RBIs and three runs. Ben Fawcett threw four scoreless innings of relief for the win, giving up two hits with four strikeouts and no walks.

Pistol Shrimp 9, CornBelters 3: Brandon Mahler and Ryan Seddon each had two hits and drove in two runs as the Shrimp returned to Peru with a victory. Tyler Deleskiewicz earned the win in relief with three scoreless, hitless innings while striking out three and walking one.

CornBelters 7, Pistol Shrimp 3: D’Andre Gaines hit a two-run home run, while Ottawa graduate Camden Loomis took the loss.

LumberKings 17, Pistol Shrimp 0 (7 inn.): The Shrimp managed just two hits. Simon Skroch was the losing pitcher.

WEEKLY AWARDS

Prahl was named the Pistol Shrimp Hitter of the Week after hitting .412 with six walks, six runs scored and five RBIs.

Cihocki was named Pistol Shrimp Pitcher of the Week. He allowed no earned runs, two hits (no extra base hits) and struck out eight batters with two walks in four innings.

PROSPECT LEAGUE STANDINGS

Western Conference

THE WEEK AHEAD

The Shrimp return to action Tuesday at home against the LumberKings. Here’s the schedule for the week with promotions.

Tuesday - Clinton LumberKings, 7:05 p.m. (Bingo Night)

Wednesday - at Burlington Bees, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday - Alton River Dragons, 7:05 p.m. (2024 championship celebration, banner unveiling, specialty jersey night)

Friday - at Quincy Doggy Paddlers, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday - at Quincy Doggy Paddlers, 6:30 p.m.

Sunday - Clinton LumberKings, 4:05 p.m. (Capes & Crowns)

SPECIAL EVENTS

The deadline is Wednesday to sign up for the Pistol Shrimp Youth Baseball Clinic at Veterans Memorial Park.

The clinic for ages 6-12 is June 17. Session 1 is 9 a.m. to noon and session 2 is 12:30-3:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for one session or $45 for both.

The clinic for ages 12 and older is June 18. Session 1 is 9 a.m. to noon and session 2 is 12:30-3:30 p.m. Cost is $35 for one session or $60 for both.

Register online at pistolshrimpbaseball.com/clinic.