Boomers hold off Evansville

The Schaumburg Boomers held off the Evansville Otters 7-4 in the opener of a road series on Friday night.

Schaumburg rolled to a 7-0 lead in support of starter Brett Mabry. John Menken, signed before the game, notched an RBI double in the fourth to open the scoring. Michael Valadez, hitting in the fifth slot in the order for the first time this season, doubled home a pair in the fifth to extend the lead to 3-0. TJ Bennett followed with a double to make it 4-0. Menken tripled home a pair in the seventh to provide insurance.

Mabry worked into the eighth. The righty struck out a career best eight to earn the win. Evansville was able to bring the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Schaumburg collected 11 hits in the game. Bennett tallied three along with Willi Martin. Menken drove home three in his professional debut.

The Boomers (32-44) play the second game of the series at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday.