7.6 Game Preview

SLAMMERS SEEK 3RD STRAIGHT WIN, 6TH SEED IN REGULAR SEASON FINALE

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS: The Oakton Slammers (2-7) will face off against the Fatletes (3-6) on Thursday Night. The first pitch is scheduled for 8:30pm at Melas Park.

The Slammers waited 714 days between their first and second wins in franchise history. They waited less than one percent of that time for their third, as they pulled off their second straight victory on Thursday.

The team built an 11-3 lead over the first 5 innings. The extreme humidity began to cause issues, though, as the ball became slick in the later innings. Foul, No Catch scored 6 runs in the 6th inning, and tacked on another in the top of the 7th, when they stranded two men on base to end the game.

"It was a gritty win," team manager Zach Wulbert said after the game. "Definitely different than last week when we had to come back. The humidity certainly played a factor, but we were able to work through it and shut them down when it mattered."

A short-handed Slammers team will go for their first 3-game winning streak on Thursday night, a game that will be crucial for position in the standings. The Fatletes currently hold the 6th seed, while the Slammers are in the 7th seed. While the Slammers could fall to the 8th seed with a loss and a Hammerhogs win, they could also move up to the 6th seed if they beat the Fatletes by 3 or more runs. 

"We really want that 6th seed. It gives us the best chance to win in the playoffs," Wulbert expressed.

GAME WINNING HOMER: Shortstop Jimmy Latal hit his second home run of the season on Thursday, a 5th inning, 2-run shot that ended up being the game winner. With second baseman Zach Wulbert on first, Latal cranked a line drive into the left-center gap, racing around the bases to beat the throw home.

TEAM LEADERS: Latal leads the Slammers in most offensive categories, including OPS (1.453) and RBI (11), and is tied with Wulbert for the lead in Hits (13) and AVG (.565). Center fielder Tony Nagle broke out of his slump with a crucial triple, earning Money Man of the Week honors the week before his wedding.

WITH A WIN: The Fatletes would advance to 4-6, solidifying their position as the 6th seed. However, they could move to the 5th seed with a win and a Foul, No Catch loss to the Hammerhogs.

The Slammers would advance to 3-7, earning their fourth win in franchise history. They would solidify the 6th seed with a win of 3 runs or greater, and the 7th seed with a win of 2 runs or less.

FOURTH OF JULY: Celebrate the Fourth of July week with the Slammers.

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