The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – June 16, 2013 – The Northwest Indiana Oilmen erased an early 3-0 deficit with 10 unanswered runs to down the Michigan City Lakers on Father’s Day at Oil City Stadium. All four Oilmen pitchers that appeared in the game are Northwest Indiana natives.

Hanover Central product Andy Wellwerts settled down to toss six solid innings.  He did not allow any further damage after surrendering three runs in the second including a two-run home run by Lou Grounds.  Wellwerts said he has worked on his ability to keep his composure even when he falls behind on the mound.

“That’s honestly something that I’ve had to learn growing up,” he said.  “I had a bad attitude when I was little and I don’t get my head down.  I don’t want my head to be down at all.  I go out there and I play for the win.”

Designated hitter Anthony Bova reached base five times via two hits, two walks and a hit-by-pitch.  He scored twice and drove in two runs to contribute to the Oilmen outburst.  Tyler Baar collected two hits and drove in three, while Leiff Clarkson lashed four singles.

“Winning a lot of times is just a mentality,” Oilmen manager Justin Huisman said.  “We have it going right now, we got down three, we haven’t been in that situation very often in the last week, so it was interesting to see how those guys would respond, and they responded and it was great.”

The Oilmen have now won seven of their last eight games and have strung together four straight victories for the first time this season.  During the four game winning streak, Northwest Indiana has outscored the opposition 43-5.  Huisman said the early Laker lead did not deter the red hot Oilmen.

“When you are hitting the ball well, three runs doesn’t always look insurmountable, but when you aren’t hitting the ball well, it seems like an eternity to catch up,” Huisman said.

Andrean High School graduate and Highland native Mike Hanchar tossed a scoreless seventh, before Hammond Gavit alumni Aveeno Nasiloski and 2013 Bishop Noll grad Danny Pobereyko each worked shutout frames.

“The bullpen in general has been great,” Huisman said.  “We have a deep staff and I trust those guys to go out there and do well.”

With the victory against the non-league opponent, the Oilmen improve to 8-3 overall and remain 6-2 in the Midwest Collegiate League.

The Oilmen begin a two game set with the Southland Vikings tomorrow at Homewood-Flossmoor High School before the two teams hook up on Tuesday night at 7:10 at Oil City Stadium.