SCHAUMBURG, Ill.  — The two-time defending Frontier League Champion Schaumburg Boomers, presented by Wintrust Community Banks, snapped an eight-game losing streak at home by notching a 7-0 win over the Joliet Slammers to secure the 200th victory for manager Jamie Bennett and the franchise.

“It’s something you definitely don’t think about when you get the job,” Bennett said after the game. “Especially your first season coming in, building a team from scratch, the big thing is just trying to go out there and be competitive. We were able to do that our first year and then ’13 and ’14 were just outstanding. A little slow down this year but the guys are playing hard, we’re still hoping to turn things around, but getting 200 is definitely very special.”

The Boomers rode the arm of rookie Taylor Thurber the whole contest. Making his second professional start, Thurber needed just 87 pitches to toss the first nine-inning complete game of the season. Thurber allowed only four hits while striking out four. Joliet placed just four runners in scoring position with only one reaching third. Schaumburg tallied three runs in the third to give Thurber all the run support needed. Craig Massey delivered a two-run double with the bases loaded to open the scoring. Willi Martin followed with an RBI single. The Boomers tacked on a run in the seventh and three more in the eighth to account for the final. 

Catcher Michael Valadez, who has been with the franchise since its inception as well, knocked a pair of doubles and scored twice in the emotional victory.

"Every time you step on the field the goal is to win, Valadez said post-game. "The culture around here is to win. We set the bar high; the standard is win a championship or nothing. Tomorrow is a new day, keep it rolling. Keep the intensity up, tomorrow is a new day and we’ve got to keep bringing that high intensity to the game."

Jordan Dean drove home three runs and finished with three hits. Massey and Martin notched two apiece. Martin has posted a hit in nine consecutive contests. Mike Schulze reached base for a 30th consecutive home contest. Kyle Ruchim extended his hitting streak to 13 games. The shutout marked the fifth of the season for the Boomers. Raul Jacobson threw a seven-inning complete game shutout earlier this season.

“As far as the club goes, the organization goes, it’s great for the organization and it’s due to having good players and coaches over the last several years,” Bennett stated. “For me it’s just another ballgame and just happy to get another win tonight.”

The Boomers (26-37) hit the road for three games with the Gateway Grizzlies beginning on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Eddie Cody (6-2, 2.76) is slated to start the contest against LHP Dillon Haviland (0-1, 6.75). Hear all of the action on AM 1410 WRMN with the voice of the Boomers, Tim Calderwood. The Boomers will be at home for virtually the entire month of August. Ensure your place in the fun at Boomers Stadium before it is too late this summer by calling (847) 461-FOWL (3695).

More Info: The 2013 & 2014 Frontier League Champions and 2013 Organization of the Year, the Schaumburg Boomers are an independent professional baseball franchise based in Schaumburg, Ill. The Boomers have captured the back-to-back titles for the Village of Schaumburg and for team owners’ Chicago Personal Injury Attorney Patrick A Salvi and his wife, Lindy Salvi. The Boomers specialize in providing fun, affordable family entertainment and will be hosting the 2015 Frontier League All-Star Game on July 15th. For more information, visit www.boomersbaseball.com.