Solid pitching propels Boomers to sweep

The Schaumburg Boomers capitalized on a pair of strong pitching performances to sweep the Gateway Grizzlies on Wednesday in Frontier League action at Boomers Stadium. The Boomers (6-5), who have won three straight series and are over the .500 mark for the first time this season, captured both seven-inning contests, by scores of 6-1 and 2-0.

Left-hander Rey Rodriguez allowed just 2 hits in the opener, working 6 innings and allowing 1 run to earn his first professional victory. Rodriguez struck out five, including the side in the fourth. Reliever Heith Hatfield struck out the side in the seventh.

The Boomers built an early lead, taking advantage of 8 walks and 2 hit batters. Denver Chavez was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the first with the bases loaded to open the scoring. Hitting highlights included a second-inning RBI double from Justin Vasquez and a fifth-inning RBI single by Mark Nelson.

The nightcap featured the second complete-game shutout in franchise history as Cal Bowling pitched the Boomers to a 2-0 win. Bowling struck out a season-high eight and became the first Boomers pitcher to earn 2 victories this season, scattering 3 hits. Sean Mahley drove home both runs, on an RBI groundout in the first and an RBI single in the sixth.

The series and homestand conclude Thursday night with a special 8 p.m. start for 21 and Over Night. The Boomers will send right-hander Anthony Smith (0-0, 0.00 ERA) against righty Andrew Aizenstadt (0-0, 4.50).