SCHAUMBURG, IL — The Schaumburg Boomers, presented by Wintrust Community Banks, could not dig out of a 5-0 early hole, suffering a 5-3 loss to the Southern Illinois Miners in the rubber game of a series on Thursday night.

The Miners scored three first inning runs against starter Lars Liguori, stringing together three consecutive hits to start. Liguori threw just 3.2 innings as Craig Massoni stretched the lead with a third-inning homer. Zack Weigel doubled home a run in the fourth and Kyle Ruchim homered in the sixth to bring the Boomers within 5-2. Schaumburg put together a two-out rally in the ninth, scoring a run when Jack Parenty coaxed a bases loaded walk, but left the bags full.

Both teams tallied seven hits in the contest. John Holland, making his first start with the Boomers, notched a pair of hits along with Ruchim. Liguori surrendered five runs to suffer the loss. Kit Fowler worked a career high 3.1 innings in relief without allowing a hit.

The Boomers (41-21), who continue to lead the East Division with the best record in the league, continue the roadtrip at Evansville on Friday night.RHP Brandon Quintero (2-0, 0.00) takes the ball against a former Schaumburg hurler, LHP Hunter Ackerman (7-2, 5.04). Make the Boomers part of your plans this season by calling (847) 461-FOWL (3695). Hear all of the game action this season on AM 1410 WRMN with the voice of the Boomers, Tim Calderwood.