SAUGET, Ill. — The Gateway Grizzlies handed the Schaumburg Boomers back-to-back losses for the first time this season by virtue of an 8-6 decision on Friday night.

The Boomers grabbed an early 1-0 lead on a solo homer from Steve McQuail in the top of the second inning. McQuail drilled 20 homers last season but had not connected on a longball in 52 at bats, dating to August 25 of 2012. Gateway’s Vladimir Frias handed the hosts a 3-1 lead with a three-run shot off Schaumburg starter Cody Griebling in the bottom of the inning and the Grizzlies never trailed the rest of the way, building a 6-1 lead. The Boomers were able to pull within 7-6 thanks to a three-run sixth but another homer in the seventh accounted for the difference.

Griebling posted the shortest start of his professional career, lasting just four innings to suffer the loss. Sean Mahley and McQuail posted two hits in the loss while Craig Hertler picked up two RBIs on his birthday.

The series continues on Saturday night with another 7:05 p.m. contest. RHP Joe Parsons (1-0, 1.80) takes the ball for the Boomers opposite LHP Gregg Downing (1-0, 0.00) for Gateway.