The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

It was Military Appreciation Night presented by Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana at Oil City Stadium on a pleasant Saturday evening as the Northwest Indiana Oilmen took command of another game. The Oilmen showed out offensively in front of the home crowd, defeating the Lake County Corn Dogs, and widened the gap between first and second place in the league standings.  

 The Oilmen won 11-2, extending their win streak to six. It was another night of efficient pitching as well, allowing just three hits. Oilmen starter Steve Washilewski had an impressive outing, going seven innings and striking out seven without giving up a run.  

 “I think the most important thing is showing them [Corn Dogs] different looks in all of the starters that we’ve thrown against them,” Oilmen manager Adam Enright said postgame. “We’ve thrown four very different pitchers with different arsenals, which makes it hard to adjust from start to start for hitters.”  

 In the past two games, the Oilmen have allowed just five total hits, with both the starters and bullpen working well off each other.  

 Offensively, the Oilmen took charge, totaling 12 hits, five of them being extra-base hits. Saturday's game saw another home run, this time coming from Kevin Denty who rocked a two-run shot over the right field fence in the third inning, giving the Oilmen a 3-0 lead.  

 The Oilmen had eight different batters record a hit, including big days from Randy Seymour and Nick Daugherty. Seymour went 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs, and Daugherty went 2-for-3 with an RBI.  

 The Oilmen now have a home record of 15-2 and are a game ahead of the Lake County Corn Dogs in the standings and two games ahead in the loss column.  

 Military Appreciation Night was an incredible evening for veterans to be recognized, and was a heartfelt game for everybody involved. Navy Executive Officer, and Vietnam war veteran Pat O’Donnell threw out the first pitch, and kicked off a great evening at the ballpark. The Oilmen partnered with Indiana Fallen Heroes to recognize those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

 “Anytime myself and our players are a part of something bigger than ourselves, it is really humbling to know that we are able to do what we do every day because of what people have sacrificed to defend our country and freedom,” Enright said.  

 The Oilmen improved to 18-7 and will travel to Nappanee, Ind. Sunday July 2 to face off against the Elkhart County Miracle for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.