SCHAUMBURG, IL — Clint Hardy matched the franchise’s career record for RBIs with a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth as the 2021 Frontier League Champion Schaumburg Boomers captured the middle game with the New Jersey Jackals by a 7-6 score.

Hardy’s single came on a 1-1 pitch and scored Alec Craig, who had stolen second just moments before. The RBI was the 136th for Hardy in his career, equaling the tam mark set by Quincy Nieporte. The run was needed after New Jersey rallied from deficits of 4-1 and 6-3 to tie the game in the top of the ninth on a two-out opposite field double from Dalton Combs.

The Boomers have not trailed in the series, plating single runs in the first and second to open a 2-0 advantage. Blake Grant-Parks doubled home a run in the second. After New Jersey pulled within a run in the third Craig stole third and scored on an error in the bottom of the fifth and Chase Dawson registered an automatic double to knock home Mike Hart. George Bell, Jr. connected on a two-run homer in the seventh to bring New Jersey within 4-3 but Mike Hart blasted his eighth of the year in the bottom of the frame, also a two-run shot, to extend the lead to 6-3. Josh Rewaldt logged his 22nd homer of the year in the eighth for New Jersey to again bring the visitors within a run.

Jake Joyce grabbed the win on the mound, the 20th of his career. Jumpei Akanuma threw a season high seven innings and allowed just three runs in a quality start while Tanner Shears worked the eighth. Hardy and Grant-Parks posted two hits apiece as the Boomers finished with nine. Craig scored three times and swiped a pair of bases while reaching three times. Braxton Davidson drew a pair of walks to extend his on-base streak to 18 while Hardy, activated from the injured list before the game, extended his streak to 15. The Boomers drew six walks after coaxing eight in the opener on Tuesday.

The Boomers (33-27) will play another day game on Thursday with a 12:00 pm contest at Wintrust Field on a Business Day Game presented by Aimbridge Hospitality. Skip work and enjoy an afternoon at the ballpark. RHP Blake Stelzer (5-2, 3.64) makes the start for the Boomers. Tickets for the 2022 season are on sale now! Visit boomersbaseball.com.