NORMAL, Ill. — The two-time defending Frontier League Champion Schaumburg Boomers, presented by Wintrust Community Banks, opened the final road series of the year by dropping an 8-6 decision at the hands of the Normal CornBelters.

Schaumburg tallied four runs in the top of the fourth to open a 5-1 lead, but Normal scored six times in the bottom of the inning and did not trail again the rest of the way. During the Schaumburg half, the Boomers collected five straight hits. Ty Nelson doubled home Ken Kirshner with the first run of the frame. TJ Bennett, Cam Sherrer, and Michael Valadez all posted RBI singles as part of the frame. The Boomers stranded 10 on base, leaving the bases loaded in the seventh and ninth.

The Boomers finished with 12 hits in the contest. Bennett led the way with three. Valadez, Willi Martin, and Nelson each tallied a pair. Evan Boyd suffered the loss, working just 3.1 innings. Bennett and Valadez each knocked in a pair.

The Boomers (39-55) continue the final series of the year on Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. RHP Brett Mabry (7-3, 3.22) takes the ball for Schaumburg opposite RHP Jake Negrete (3-0, 2.17). Hear all of the action on AM 1410 WRMN with the voice of the Boomers, Tim Calderwood. Season tickets for 2016 are available now.