SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The Schaumburg Boomers stranded nine runners on base through the game’s first seven innings but finally broke through with three runs in the eighth to claim a 3-2 victory over the Rockford RiverHawks Thursday.

The visitors got on the board first with a pair of runs to take a 2-0 lead. A two-out double off the bat of Rockford’s Matt Greener got the RiverHawks on the board first as Evan Button crossed the plate. Jet Butler scored a batter later when Devin Shepherd reached on an error.

The Boomers hit into three double plays and stranded nine runners before cashing in a trio of runs in the eighth to steal Game One of the three-game set with Rockford. 3B Frank Pfister got things started with a sharp single to left and Jereme Milons was credited with a single of his own when Rockford CF Brandon Anderson lost a soft liner in the lights to put runners at first and second with nobody out for the home team.

Nick Kurczko drew a one out walk to load the bases for LF Sean Mahley. The University of the Cumberlands alum smacked the first pitch from RHP Mickey Cassidy into right field for a pair of RBI as Pfister and Milons came around to score on the play. Catcher Ty Nelson knocked in what proved to be the game-winning run with a single to plate Kuroczko and send the home fans home happy.

In his professional debut, rookie Shane Prance was excellent, holding the Frontier League’s top offensive squad to just one earned run and three hits over his 6.2 innings Thursday. At one point, Prance retired nine straight batters and after he allowed a hit by Daniel Gonzalez with one out in the second inning, the 6’3” right-hander did not allow a hit over his final 5.1 innings before giving way to the ‘pen.

RHP Patrick Mincey earned the win in relief for the Boomers with another impressive outing for Manager Jamie Bennett’s Bullpen. After falling behind 3-0 on the first batter he faced in the eighth, the 6’3” sidewinder threw 12 straight strikes to fan four consecutive RiverHawks. Eric Holmes provided a solid bridge from Prance to Mincey with a scoreless inning of work.

The Boomers and RiverHawks square off again Friday with RHP Robby Donovan (2-1, 4.75) of Schaumburg scheduled to face RHP Cody Hallahan (1-1, 3.72) for Rockford at 6:30 p.m.

PECKS

• Prior to tonight’s contest the Boomers released INF Brandon Hairston in order to sign tonight’s starting pitcher, rookie RHP Shane Prance out of nearby Purdue University North Central
• Second-straight multi-hit game for Ty Nelson
• In their last three games, the Boomers have drawn 21 walks (Tuesday – 6, Wednesday – 8 & Thursday – 7)
• It’s the fourth time this season that the Boomers have come back from at least a two-run deficit

Join us tomorrow you must as the Boomers celebrate Star Wars Night at 6:30 p.m. Featuring a costume contest, a costume parade, the 501st Midwest Garrison, the Rebel Legion and a special Star Wars style fireworks show, Friday’s game is a can’t miss. Available tickets are by calling 847.461.3695, visiting www.boomersbaseball.com or stopping by the Boomers Box Office!