SAUGET, Ill. — The Schaumburg Boomers, presented by Wintrust Community Banks, placed the tying runs on base in the ninth inning but dropped a 6-3 road decision to the Gateway Grizzlies in the final game of a three-game series.

Gateway collected an unearned run in the bottom of the first inning against starter Kagen Hopkins to take the early lead. Jordan Dean drilled a solo homer in the fourth to tie the game before Gateway’s Zach Lavy banged a three-run homer as part of a four-run bottom of the frame. Paul Kronenfeld pulled the Boomers within 5-3 by tallying his 10th homer of the season in the eighth. Gateway extended the lead with a run in the bottom of the eighth. Schaumburg drew three consecutive two outs walks in the ninth but a lineout ended the game.

Hopkins suffered the loss after working five innings, allowing four earned runs. The combination of Kurt Lipscomb, Patrick Dolan, and Kenny Knudsen combined to allow one run in three innings. Dolan struck out five. Schaumburg has played in a rubber game in seven straight series, losing all seven of those contests. Mark Nelson notched two hits in the defeat.

The Boomers (28-36) open a busy weekend on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. against the Southern Illinois Miners. LHP Gunnar Kines (3-4, 3.92) takes the ball on Princess Night against RHP Brooks Trujillo (1-3, 3.90). The weekend of fun also featuring a pair of fireworks displays on Friday and Saturday. Make the Boomers part of your plans before it is too late this summer and still have time for more fun by calling (847) 461-FOWL (3695). Hear all of the game action this season on AM 1410 WRMN with the voice of the Boomers, Tim Calderwood.