SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The West Division Champion Schaumburg Boomers could not hold a pair of leads in a 9-4 defeat to the Joliet Slammers on Wednesday night as Joliet’s Niko Vasquez hit for the cycle.

The Boomers opened a 3-0 lead with three runs in the bottom of the second, scoring twice on a two-out double from Michael Valadez. Keith Werman added an RBI single in the frame. Joliet responded with three in the top of the third against Seth Webster, who lasted five innings in the defeat. 

Frank Pfister notched a two-out RBI single in the fifth to put the Boomers back in front but Joliet posted three in the seventh and three in the ninth to take the win, halting a five-game win streak for Schaumburg. The Slammers slugged 15 hits in the contest.

The Boomers (59-36) will conclude the regular season on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. against the Slammers. RHP Matt LaMothe (1-0, 7.20) will make his first start as a pro opposite converted reliever RHP Chase Doremus (4-4, 2.59).

Schaumburg now knows its opponent for the playoffs, the Florence Freedom. Playoff tickets are on sale now. Schaumburg opens the playoffs at home on September 7 at 8:00 p.m. The Boomers run through the playoffs is powered by AEP Energy. Reserve your piece of the action by calling 847.461.3695 or visiting www.boomersbaseball.com.