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SLAMMERS IN SEARCH OF WINNING STREAK, FACE FOUL, NO CATCH
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS: The Oakton Slammers (1-7) will face off against Foul, No Catch (4-4) on Thursday Night. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:30pm at Melas Park.
It had been 714 days since their last win, and things looked bleak. Were the Slammers heading toward another winless season?
In the middle of the 6th inning, the Slammers held an 8-6 lead over the Hammerhogs. Then, the unthinkable (or, absolutely plausible) happened: they let up 7 runs in the bottom half of the inning, and went into the final frame trailing by 5.Â
"Usually, we would pack it in after an inning like that. It just seemed like an impossible deficit to overcome," team manager Zach Wulbert said in his press conference. "But, there was something different about tonight. We wanted to fight. We weren't going to let this one slip away."
Unlike their previous 20 games, the Slammers fought back, clawing their way for 6 runs and a 14-13 lead heading into the bottom of the 7th. Pitcher Rob Kowalski, who came in from the bullpen in this game, shut the door in 5 pitches by inducing three soft-contact outs.
The 20-game losing streak, one of the longest in league history, was over. The Slammers had won.
Now, they turn their sights on Foul, No Catch, who beat them 15-5 during the second game of the season.
"We felt good after that game early in the season, so we are hoping to use the momentum we have to win another," Wulbert said.
The Slammers took a 5-run lead early in that game, but gave up 15 straight to lose. They'll look for hitting and defense throughout the whole game.
FAB FIVE: Five players have been a part of both wins in Slammers history: Rob Kowalski, who was a substitute in the first win; first-baseman Ryan Kowalski; shortstop Jimmy Latal; third-baseman Mike Leahy; and second-baseman Zach Wulbert.
Above: The five Slammers players who have been part of both wins. From L to R: Wulbert, Rob Kowalski, Leahy, Ryan Kowalski, Latal.
EMERGENCY BACKUP THE HERO: Jesse Racine arrived at Melas as a mere fan of the Slammers, but was called into action when pitcher Rob Kowalski was running late. Racine ended up playing a stellar right field, and was the hero at the plate, notching 3 hits in 4 at-bats and driving in a team-leading 4 runs. For his efforts, Racine will be playing in Thursday night's game as well.
SOMETHING ABOUT FIELD 4: The Slammers have played their best games on Melas Park Field #4. The three games on the field have featured close losses to the Fatletes (12-10) and American Legion (6-2), as well as the win over the Hammerhogs for a run differential of -5. Compared to a run differential of -68 on Field #1 over 5 games, the Slammers play significantly better on Field 4. Thursday night's game will be on Field 4.
TEAM LEADERS: Jimmy Latal leads the team in OPS (1.184), while Zach Wulbert leads in AVG (.524) and hits (11). Catcher Vince Nardiello has also turned his season around, collecting 3 hits in the last 2 games.
INJURY BUG: First-baseman Joshua Shirley and infielder Nick Sobieszczyk will go on the IL today with injuries. No additional call-ups are expected.
WITH A WIN: Foul, No Catch would advance to 5-4, solidifying their position in the top half of the league.
The Slammers would advance to 2-7, earning their third win in franchise history, and achieving their first winning streak. They would likely move out of the last place position, pending the result of the Hammerhogs' game.
BLACKOUT: The Slammers will host their annual Blackout Game Thursday. Fans are encouraged to wear black and get loud!
Follow @oaktonslammers on Instagram and Twitter for more.
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