AVON, Ohio  — The two-time defending Frontier League Champion Schaumburg Boomers, presented by Wintrust Community Banks, dropped a second straight road contest to start the second half to the Lake Erie Crushers, falling 8-3 on Saturday.

Lake Erie opened a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Schaumburg starter Edwin Carl. The Boomers were able to tie the score immediately in the top of the second. Willi Martin led off with a bloop double and scored on a single from Ty Nelson. The hit marked the first of the year for Nelson with the Boomers after being obtained in a trade on Friday. Lake Erie netted four runs in the fourth to open a 5-1 lead. All four runners who came across drew a walk. Kyle Ruchim hit his first professional homer in the fifth, bringing the Boomers within 5-3, but the Crushers tacked on three in the bottom of the frame to pull away.

Carl lasted just 4.1 innings, issuing a franchise record seven walks. Evan Boyd worked 3.2 innings in relief. Alan Oaks, signed on Friday, debuted with a scoreless eighth. Schaumburg managed only five hits, two coming from Martin.

The Boomers are (22-31) conclude the series on Sunday afternoon with a 1:05 p.m. game. All-Star RHP Eddie Cody (5-1, 2.63) takes the ball opposite LHP Todd Kibby (0-1, 4.00). Hear all of the action on AM 1410 WRMN with the voice of the Boomers, Tim Calderwood. Ensure your place in the fun at Boomers Stadium this summer by calling (847) 461-FOWL (3695).