SAUGET, IL —The defending Frontier League champion Schaumburg Boomers, presented by Wintrust Community Banks, opened the 2018 season by dropping a 6-2 contest with the Gateway Grizzlies.

Steven Ridings, who saw time in Triple-A last season, made the season opening start for the Boomers. Ridings, in his Schaumburg debut, surrendered a first inning three-run homer to Terry McClure with two outs before settling down. The Boomers pulled within 3-2 by scoring twice in the third. Jack Parenty led off the inning with a single, stole second and scored on a sacrifice fly from Josh Gardiner. Kewby Meyer accounted for the second run with an RBI single to drive home Casey Scoggins, who walked and stole second.

Gateway added three unearned runs in the eighth, taking advantage of a two-out error, to account for the final. Schaumburg was able to load the bases in the top of the ninth with all additional position players receiving an at bat, but could not force home another run.

Ridings allowed just the three runs in the first inning, striking out six in six innings of work. Tucker Ward threw 1.2 innings in relief and Ivan Vieitez finished out the contest on the hill. The teams combined for just 13 hits in the season opener for both clubs. Meyer and Parenty each posted a pair of hits in the season opening defeat as the Boomers mustered just five hits with five walks while striking out 16 times, matching the single game record. The first six outs of the night were strikeouts against Gateway starter Alec Kisena, who fanned eight in the win. Sean Godfrey reached twice with a pair of hit by pitches.

The Boomers (0-1) continue the series with Gateway on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. LHP Kyle Cedotal will make his debut for the Boomers opposite RHP Dakota Smith. The home portion of the schedule kicks off on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. against the Southern Illinois Miners with a magnet schedule giveaway along with the celebration of the 2017 championship season. Make the Boomers part of your plans this season by calling (847) 461-3695.