EVANSVILLE, Ind.  — The two-time defending Frontier League Champion Schaumburg Boomers, presented by Wintrust Community Banks, held off the Evansville Otters 7-4 in the opener of a road series on Friday night.

Schaumburg rolled to a 7-0 lead in support of starter Brett Mabry. John Menken, signed before the game, notched an RBI double in the fourth to open the scoring. Michael Valadez, hitting in the fifth slot in the order for the first time this season, doubled home a pair in the fifth to extend the lead to 3-0. TJ Bennett followed with a double to make it 4-0. Menken tripled home a pair in the seventh to provide insurance.

Mabry worked into the eighth. The righty struck out a career best eight to earn the win. Evansville was able to bring the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Schaumburg collected 11 hits in the game. Bennett tallied three along with Willi Martin. Menken drove home three in his professional debut.

The Boomers (32-44) plays the second game of the series on Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. RHP Raul Jacobson (3-2, 2.79) starts for Schaumburg against LHP Blaine Howell (0-0, 0.00). Schaumburg plays 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). Hear all of the action on AM 1410 WRMN with the voice of the Boomers, Tim Calderwood.