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U.S. Military All-Stars Defeat Northwest Indiana Oilmen In Exhibition

07/02/2012 1:39 PM -

U.S. Military All-Stars Defeat Northwest Indiana Oilmen In Exhibition

On Sunday, in exhibition play, the U.S. Military All-Stars defeated the Northwest Indiana Oilmen 9-8.  After a passing storm caused a two hour start time delay, the pregame festivities included an American Legion Post, Indiana Patriot Guard, and AVMRA motorcycle caravan, a Color Guard Presentation, TAPS, the presentation of a September 11th flag, and ceremonial first pitches from Vietnam and World War II veterans.  This Whiting stop was part of the barnstorming "Red, White & Blue Tour" featuring the only "joint" armed forces and first responders team.

The U.S. Military All-Stars got on the board early in the first, but the Oilmen quickly countered in the bottom half of the second scoring five runs. Oilmen Jack Cinoman starting the rally with a double, followed by consecutive singles from Kevin Franchetti, Craig Austgen, and Brandon Krieg. The U.S. Military All-Stars scored two more in the fifth, and then tied it at six, in the sixth, on a three run blast by the game MVP Mike Lange, who came on as a pinch hitter.

The game paused at 9:11 PM to honor all those affected by the September 11, 2001 attacks.  When the game resumed, the U.S. Military All-Stars added runs, scoring two in the seventh, and one in the ninth.  The Oilmen tried to rally in the bottom of the eighth and ninth but fell one run short. The game was followed by a fireworks show and autograph signing by the U.S. Military All-Stars.

Established in Pensacola, Florida at the request of President H. W. Bush in 1990, the U.S. Military All-Stars, with the majority of their players having either served or ready for overseas deployment, have earned a reputation as the "Globetrotters of Baseball" performing in 45 states and 12 countries.Over 25,000 men and women serving on active duty, reserve, National Guard, ROTC, Service Academy, Delayed Entry Program, Wounded Warriors, amputees, veterans and first responders have suited up.

OILMEN BASEBALL...THERE’S NEW ENERGY IN TOWN!