6.1 Game Preview

SLAMMERS TURN CALENDAR, TAKE ON WINLESS AMERICAN LEGION

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS: The Oakton Slammers (0-4) will face off against the American Legion Post 208 Rowdies (0-4) on Thursday Night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30pm at Melas Park.

On a chilly Thursday night last week, the Slammers' bats fell silent, as they were held scoreless for the first time this season.

"We really couldn't get anything going to the outfield," manager Zach Wulbert said in his press statement. "Everything went to the shortstop, who was a machine out there. We need a bit more lift on our hits."

Despite the lack of run production, the defense showed out, as the team held the opposition to less than 10 runs for the first time this season. Much of that was due to great defensive plays in the outfield by left fielder Ryan McMahon, who won Money Man of the Game honors for the effort, and center fielder Tony Nagle. Both were able to track long fly balls.

The Slammers are hoping to leave a dismal month of May behind, flipping the calendar and the script of the season, as they take on the Rowdies. Despite a bleak history against the team (lost 28-1 in the second game in franchise history, lost 14-4 on the front end of a doubleheader while losing CJ Zimmerman to injury last season), the Slammers have hope for a different outcome.

"They're a different team this year," Wulbert stated. "They have some new guys and lost some of their everyday players. We are hoping that we are catching them at the right time."

The Rowdies are technically in last place, as they have a worse run differential (-51 compared to -38) than the Slammers. The Slammers are taking nothing for granted, though, and look to put together a complete game.

FROM DALLAS, TX: Slammers pitcher Rob Kowalski had a bit of a longer commute to the game last week. In Dallas, TX on business, he had to catch a flight to O'Hare before making his way to Melas Park in time for the game. It's the type of dedication befitting of a Slammers player.

WITH A WIN: The Rowdies would advance to 1-4, climbing out of last place in the process.

The Slammers would advance to 1-4, earning their second win in franchise history. They would also get just their first win over the American Legion Rowdies, after losing the first 2 matchups.

SCHOOL'S OUT: The Slammers are hosting "School's Out for Summer" on Thursday, and the weather should cooperate. All are welcome to participate. Follow @oaktonslammers on Instagram and Twitter for more.