With 7-0 win, Boomers get 200th franchise victory
The two-time defending Frontier League Champion Schaumburg Boomers, snapped an eight-game losing streak at home by notching a 7-0 win over the Joliet Slammers on Thursday night to secure the 200th victory for manager Jamie Bennett and the franchise.
"It's something you definitely don't think about when you get the job," Bennett said. "Especially your first season coming in, building a team from scratch, the big thing is just trying to go out there and be competitive. We were able to do that our first year and then '13 and '14 were just outstanding. A little slow down this year but the guys are playing hard, we're still hoping to turn things around, but getting 200 is definitely very special."
The Boomers rode the arm of rookie Taylor Thurber the whole contest. Making his second professional start, Thurber needed just 87 pitches to toss the first nine-inning complete game of the season. Thurber allowed only four hits while striking out four. Joliet placed just 4 runners in scoring position with only one reaching third. Schaumburg tallied 3 runs in the third to give Thurber all the run support needed. Craig Massey delivered a 2-run double with the bases loaded to open the scoring. Willi Martin followed with an RBI single. The Boomers tacked on a run in the seventh and 3 more in the eighth to account for the final.
Jordan Dean drove home 3 runs and finished with 3 hits. Massey and Martin notched 2 apiece. Martin has posted a hit in nine consecutive contests. Mike Schulze reached base for a 30th consecutive home contest. Kyle Ruchim extended his hitting streak to 13 games. The shutout marked the fifth of the season for the Boomers. Raul Jacobson threw a seven-inning complete game shutout earlier this season.
"As far as the club goes, the organization goes, it's great for the organization and it's due to having good players and coaches over the last several years," Bennett stated. "For me it's just another ballgame and just happy to get another win tonight."
The Boomers (26-37) hit the road for three games with the Gateway Grizzlies beginning on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Eddie Cody (6-2, 2.76) is slated to start the contest against left-hander Dillon Haviland (0-1, 6.75).