Boomers fall to CornBelters in extra innings

After a standout pitching duel, the Schaumburg Boomers dropped a 5-1 decision to the Normal CornBelters in 11 innings Wednesday at Boomers Stadium.

Boomers right-hander Eddie Cody matched Kevin Johnson inning by inning, with Normal scoring first in the sixth. Schaumburg tied the game in the bottom of the seventh when Justin Vasquez coaxed a two-out walk and scored on a triple from Tillman Pugh. Cody worked seven innings, matching a career best with 8 strikeouts.

The Boomers nearly won the game in the 10th but a Michael Valadez double skipped over the wall for an automatic two-bagger, stranding the winning run at third. The international rule, which automatically places a runner at second to start the 11th inning, came into play and Normal took advantage, scoring four runs to secure the win. The Boomers (6-6) conclude the series with Normal on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.