SCHAUMBURG, IL–The River City Rascals saw their four-game winning streak come to an end on Tuesday night at Boomers Stadium, dropping the series opener to the Schaumburg Boomers by a score of 3-2. The Boomers bullpen combined for 3.2 scoreless innings in the win.
The Rascals scored both of their runs in the first inning, following back-to-back hits from JD Hearn and Kevin Suarez. Hearn scored on a sacrifice fly from Clint Freeman and Suarez scored on an RBI fielder’s choice from Paul Kronenfeld. The Boomers bounced back for a run in the bottom of the frame, with Sean Godfrey, who reached on a walk, stealing second and third base, and scoring on an error from Rascals catcher Gage West, trying to nab him at third. They added the tying and go-ahead run in the fourth, on an RBI double from Clint Hardy, and then Hardy scoring himself on another Rascals error.
The Rascals had the bases loaded with one out in both the sixth and seventh innings, but hit into double plays both times.
Hector Hernandez (7-1) had another solid start for the Rascals, pitching eight innings and allowing just an earned run. He walked two and struck out nine in a losing effort.
Joe Hauser (4-3) earned the win, allowing one earned run in 5.1 innings, walking three and striking out two. Darrell Thompson, Ivan Vieitez, James Mulry and Jake Joyce combined for 3.2 scoreless innings out of the Boomers bullpen, with Joyce picking up his ninth save.
The Rascals (25-21) look to bounce back in the middle game of the series against the Boomers (23-22) tomorrow night, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30pm CT. Josh Kimborowicz is expected to start for the Rascals.
