SCHAUMBURG, Ill.  — The two-time defending Frontier League Champion Schaumburg Boomers, presented by Wintrust Community Banks, opened a three-game series with the Washington Wild Things by dropping an 8-4 decision.

Washington used a pair of solo homers in the second to take a 2-0 lead. Schaumburg struck rapidly in the fifth to open a 3-2 edge. TJ Bennett led off with a first pitch homer to center, his first of the year. Mike Schulze collected the fourth straight hit, a single to score Michael Valadez and tie the score. Schulze has now reached base safely in 34 consecutive home contests, longest streak in the league. Robby Spencer put the Boomers ahead with a sacrifice fly. Washington scored in each of their final four at bats to pull away for the win.

Evan Boyd suffered the loss in relief. Peter Gehle started and worked 5.1 innings. Washington rolled out a season high 16 hits. Bennett led the Boomers with two hits in the loss. Schaumburg managed just six hits in the defeat.

The Boomers (29-41) continue the series with Washington on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. The ZOOperstars will make an appearance and the contest will feature postgame fireworks. RHP Brett Mabry (4-2, 3.51) makes the start for Schaumburg against RHP Jeremy Holcombe (1-1, 3.21). The Boomers are 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). Hear all of the action on AM 1410 WRMN with the voice of the Boomers, Tim Calderwood.

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 hosted the 2015 Frontier League All-Star Game on July 15th before a league record crowd. For more information, visit www.boomersbaseball.com.