The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

RJ Bergren was dominant on the hill, as they rang up 10 strikeouts in the Oilmen's 10-0 victory over the Hammond Vikings on Friday. Bergren gave up one hit and zero runs over six innings while walking three.

Ryan Groberski collected three hits in three at bats in the win. Groberski singled in the fifth inning, doubled in the sixth inning, and singled in the fourth inning.

The Northwest Indiana Oilmen were the first to get on the board in the second when a steal of home scored one run.

Mason Leckrone started the game for the Vikings. The starting pitcher surrendered four hits and six runs (five earned) over four and two-thirds innings, striking out eight and walking six. Cole Deardorff threw one inning of scoreless ball for the Northwest Indiana Oilmen in relief. They gave up zero hits, striking out three and walking two.

The Northwest Indiana Oilmen tallied nine hits in the game. Zamaurion Hatcher and Aidan Thaxton each drove in two runs for the Oilmen. Emmanuel Scott collected two hits for the Oilmen in four at bats. The boys had patience at the plate, collecting nine walks for the game. Josh Williams and Thaxton led the team with two bases on balls each.

Parker Engel went 1-for-3 at the plate to provide the lone hit for the Vikings.

RJ Bergren's dominant performance on the mound for the Oilmen resulted in him being selected as the White Castle Player of the Game, the second time this year he has been awarded the honor. Bergren was available to the media postgame, and he spoke to his success. "2 good starts in a row is nice, just going out there and getting outs, it feels good". He also shared how important accuracy has been in his dominant start. "Being able to get all my pitches over for a strike, even when you're behind in the count, changing timings, it all just makes it come together". RJ is excited to try and keep it going through the season. "I just want to keep it rolling; avoid giving out freebies and keep getting ahead in counts, just do what I can".

Tyler Zunkel took some time to share his thoughts on the 4-0 start for the team. "Job is not finished", he made clear. "I don't know if this win streak is going to last forever, but it sure feels nice right now. Just have to keep winning one at a time". Zunkel also noted the excellence of the pitching staff and how that has propelled the team forward. "RJ (Bergren) is looking like one of our best pitchers right now. His fastball was untouchable today, with the only hit he gave up being an infield single. Cole (Deardorff) looked really good today as well, but the pitching has been awesome".

The Northwest Indiana Oilmen welcome the Indiana Panthers on Saturday for their next game. The game as a 7:10pm first pitch, and will have an Oilman Stan bobblehead giveaway. The game is sure to be a blast, so be sure to join the team at Oil City Stadium or watch at home on our Facebook, X, or on JedTV