By: Matthew Gustafson
JOLIET, IL – A late rally by the Slammers was not enough Wednesday as the team fell to the Boomers in the series opener.
Schaumburg (29-23) struck first with a Craig Dawson solo home run to right-center field in the opening frame, taking a 1-0 lead.
Joliet (23-29) responded in the next inning. Drew Stengren walked before a Victor Nova single to right-center put runners on the corners. Stengren scored when Jose Camacho grounded out to second base, tying the game 1-1.
The Boomers responded immediately. Alec Craig hit a double to left field with two outs in the top of the third, then Christian Fedko walked to place two runners on base. Craig Dawson singled to center, bringing home Alec Craig for his second run batted in, to put Schaumburg up 2-1.
Paxton Wallace walked to load the bases before Slammers starter Jake Armstrong secured a flyout from Aaron Simmons to keep the score 2-1. Armstrong allowed three hits and two earned runs with two strikeouts in four innings pitched.
The Slammers loaded the bases in the bottom of the sixth inning with walks by Jeissy De La Cruz and Drew Stengren and a single through the right side by Antonio Valdez. Boomers starter Jacob Smith got Victor Nova to fly out to left field with his last pitch of the game, maintaining the visitors’ lead.
Smith gave up three hits and one earned run while walking and striking out four batters in six innings for Schaumburg.
Joliet put together a comeback attempt in the bottom of the ninth, starting with a leadoff walk by Victor Nova. Braden Duhon then laid down a bunt, and both runners were safe when Boomers reliever Mitch White attempted to throw out Nova at second base.
Liam McArthur grounded out to shortstop with one out but advanced Nova to third base and reached on a fielder’s choice. However, White struck out Jeissy De La Cruz to give Schaumburg the narrow 2-1 victory over the Slammers.
Joliet will return to action against the Boomers in a doubleheader tomorrow, Thursday, July 11, on Country Night presented by WCCQ 98.3 FM. The first game starts at 5:35 p.m., and both games will be seven innings long.
For information on season tickets, premium suites or group outings, please visit the Slammers’ official website at www.jolietslammers.com.
