05/31/2024 11:40 PM -
The Northwest Indiana Oilmen cruised over the Griffith Generals on Friday, 13-0.
The Oilmen were the first to get on the board in the first when an error scored one run.
The squad extended their early lead with two runs in the bottom of the third thanks to RBI singles by Ryan Henschel and Noah Caceres.
The Oilmen busted the game open when they scored five runs on just one hit in the bottom of the fifth inning. John Wendling grounded out, scoring one run, Zamaurion Hatcher singled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, Josh Williams drew a walk, scoring one run, and Isaiah White drew a walk, scoring one run.
The Oilmen perfoemed an encore in the sixth, scoring five runs on zero hits. Aidan Thaxton drew a walk, scoring one run, Ryan Groberski drew a walk, scoring one run, an error scored two runs, and an error scored one run.
RJ Bergren led things off on the hill for the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. He gave up zero hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out nine and walking one. Hunter Smith began the game for Griffith Generals. The starting pitcher gave up seven hits and six runs (five earned) over four and two-thirds innings, striking out six and walking two. Cole Deardorff threw two innings of zero-run ball for Northwest Indiana Oilmen in relief. The reliever allowed one hit, striking out four and walking two.
Ian Farrell, Henschel, and Hatcher each collected two hits for the Oilmen. Wendling, Caceres, White, Josh Williams, Henschel, Hatcher, and Thaxton each drove in one run for the squad. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, collecting nine walks for the game. White and Henschel each stole multiple bases for the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. The Oilmen ran wild on the base paths, tallying six stolen bases for the game. They were also sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Jake LaVine had the most chances in the field with 12.
Connor Jerkatis went 1-for-3 at the plate to lead the Griffith Generals in hits. The Griffith Generals turned one double play in the game.
RJ Bergren was given the honors of being the White Castle player of the game to recognize his 5 innings of no-hit ball with 9 strikeouts and only one walk.
Tyler Zunkel had lots of good things to share following the 7-inning win. "The boys were ready", he said with a big grin. "The pitchers were awesome, RJ (Bergren) dealt and Cole (Deardorff) shut the door". He also talked about how the team has exceptional discipline and has shown great promise. Zunkel reflected on the pitching staff, who has only allowed 4 hits through the first 2 games. "I'm letting the pitchers do their own thing. Shake off as many times as they'd like, do what feels comfortable". He also noted he's making sure his guys aren't afraid to trust the defense and put the ball in play. With that being said, as he put it, "They don't really seem to be putting it in play much, but you'll definitely take that"
The Oilmen are back in action at home on Saturday as they host the Elkhart County Miracle at 7:10pm.
