JOLIET, Ill. — The Schaumburg Boomers allowed three unearned runs in the first inning and couldn’t overtake the Joliet Slammers in a 7-4 road loss on Friday night.

Joliet held leads of 3-0, 6-1, and 7-2, holding on for the final. Steve McQuail drilled his ninth homer of the season in the eighth, plating a pair to bring the Boomers within 7-4 but Justin Erasmus was able to close the door for the save. Mike Giovenco suffered the loss, working a season low four innings. Giovenco issued five walks and allowed just two earned runs. Schaumburg finished with nine hits with McQuail and Alexi Colon notching two each.

The series will continue on Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. with LHP Danny Jimenez (1-4, 4.31) on the hill for the Boomers. Joliet counters with RHP Brett Zawacki (2-3, 4.42).