6.22 Game Preview

SLAMMERS PLAY FIRST PRIMETIME GAME OF SEASON AGAINST HAMMERHOGS

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS: The Oakton Slammers (0-7) will face off against the Hammerhogs (1-6) on Thursday Night. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:30pm at Melas Park.

Time is running out for the Slammers to find a win this season. Thursday's game seems like their best chance, taking on the only team they have beaten in their history.

"They [the Hammerhogs] are better than their record. They have, what, a minus-8 run differential? They've lost all their games by only a couple runs," manager Zach Wulbert said. "Plus, they crushed us in the first game of the season. We will have to be ready for a battle."

The battle will take place during the Slammer's first primetime game of the season. "We really need Slammer Nation to show out for this game, and hopefully cheer us on to victory."

BIG RETURN: Last Thursday, three players returned to the Slammers after a long absence. Pitcher Pat McGarry and outfielder Jason Wilhite each were brought up from the AAA Palatine Dingers, with both players collecting a hit in their season debuts. McGarry will return to the Dingers, while Wilhite will remain on the active roster.

CJ Zimmerman, who has been serving as the bench coach this season while recovering from ACL and MCL surgeries, returned from the 60-day IL. He will also remain on the active roster while continuing to rehab.

SCOUTING NEWS: Scouting season has begun, with general manager Zach Wulbert spending the week in Omaha, NE, searching for talent at the College World Series. "We definitely have some potential talent to add to the roster next season. I met with some of the players' family members. Even some of the fans had the opportunity to show their skills in the batting cages" Wulbert revealed to the press.

You can check out more on the Oakton Slammers' Instagram page.

TEAM LEADERS: Three players lead the team with 7 hits: catcher Nels Flink, third-baseman Mike Leahy, and second-baseman Zach Wulbert.

WITH A WIN: The Hammerhogs would advance to 2-6, remaining ahead of the Slammers for last place.

The Slammers would advance to 1-7, earning their second win in franchise history, and their second against the Hammerhogs. They would move into a tie with the Hammerhogs for last place, though the Hammerhogs would currently hold the tiebreaker with a better run differential.

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