FLORENCE, Ky.  — The two-time defending Frontier League Champion Schaumburg Boomers, presented by Wintrust Community Banks, scored a 6-1 win over the Florence Freedom in the opener of a three-game weekend road set on Friday night.

Brett Mabry turned in a career best performance. The righty worked a career high 7.2 shutout innings while striking out a career best seven, retiring eight straight at one point and 11 of 12. Mabry scattered three hits and did not allow a hit after the second until the eighth. The Boomers gave Mabry all the support he would need in the third. Florence starter Alan Carey retired the first eight batters of the game before an infield hit from Cam Sherrer, who promptly stole second. Mike Schulze drove home Sherrer with a double to hand the Boomers the lead. Alexi Colon drilled a three-run homer in the fourth inning to pad the margin.

Schaumburg racked up 11 hits in the game. Jordan Dean and Joel Hutter each posted a pair. Hutter was activated from injured reserve before the contest to make his season debut. Dean tripled in the ninth, marking the fourth straight game in which Schaumburg notched a three-bagger. Brandon Bargas finished out the win by working the final 1.1 innings. Florence broke up the shutout in the ninth.

The Boomers (11-14) continue the series with the Freedom at 5:05 p.m. on Saturday night. RHP Scott Plaza (0-3, 5.53) is the slated starter for Schaumburg against RHP Jeremy Gooding. The Boomers return home on Tuesday. Ensure your place in the fun at Boomers Stadium this year by calling (847) 461-3695 (FOWL). All games can be heard on AM 1410 WRMN with the voice of the Boomers, Tim Calderwood.