06/06/2024 11:43 PM -
It came down to the wire on Thursday, as the Northwest Indiana Oilmen grabbed the victory in walk-off fashion, 9-8, over Indiana Panthers. The game was tied at eight in the bottom of the tenth when Nathan Brydak was struck by a pitch, driving in a run.
Bats blistered as the Oilmen collected nine hits and the Indiana Panthers tallied 10 in the high-scoring game.
The Indiana Panthers got on the board in the top of the first inning after Dom Owens walked, and Philip Milatovik scored after tagging up, each scoring one run.
Oilmen jumped back into the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning after Troy Vosburgh singled, Emmanuel Scott tripled, and Bryce Nevils walked, each scoring one run.
Arnoldo Velazquez singled, which helped the Panthers tie the game at four in the top of the ninth.
A big top of the 10th left fans worrying as the Panthers made the score 8-4 in the top of the tenth after Michael Pustelnik doubled, scoring two runs, Justin Johnson drew a walk, scoring one run, and Brek Baranoski grounded out, scoring one run.
The Oilmen flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the tenth, scoring five runs on two hits to take a 9-8 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Noah Caceres that drove in one.
Thomas Haggerty started on the mound for the Oilmen. The starting pitcher allowed three hits and two runs over five innings, striking out five and walking three. Jaden Jones opened the game for the Panthers. He gave up three hits and one run (zero earned) over six innings, striking out four and walking none. Vosburgh, Esteban Velasquez, and Carlos Guzman each appeared in relief for the Oilmen.
The Northwest Indiana Oilmen piled up nine hits in the game. Nevils and Vosburgh each collected two hits for Northwest Indiana Oilmen. Vosburgh went 2-for-4 at the plate as the right-handed hitter led the team with two runs batted in.
The Indiana Panthers tallied 10 hits in the game. Pustelnik provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Indiana Panthers with two runs batted in. The left-handed hitter went 2-for-5 on the day. Jack Salzeider, Pustelnik, Owens, and Velazquez each collected two hits for the Indiana Panthers.
Tyler Zunkel was excited to see the team win, even in unorthodox fashion. "I'm glad our guys put in effort. I'm glad they ran hard 90s on routine ground balls, they put pressure on fielders and that's all you can ask for". He noted that this win wasn't perfect. "We could have been a little better on the mound". He did also make note of the Panthers getting the benefit of many bloop hits. "It felt like they got a lot of duck snorts over second and the shortstop, I'd like to see us lay out for those balls more as the season goes on". This game was the first close contest for the Oilmen, and Zunkel still used a deep lineup. "I'd like to be able to play 9 guys for 9 innings, but we have a big team. I am treating this like Spring Training. Both groups played well, the second group of guys stepped up big time. Everyone stayed engaged and everyone seems to understand what it is".
Tyler was also asked about the new group of players arriving today, particularly the performance of Troy Vosburgh. Vosburgh was awarded the White Castle Player of the game after getting two hits, two RBI, and picking up the win as a pitcher. "He was honestly a surprise for me. I brought him in and he only got eight at bats this year for his JUCO, so I didn't know what to expect, but I gave him a shot and he proved himself. He has a sweet little swing, he hits it hard to the pull side, and I think he'll be a really nice addition for us". He also discussed how players coming in will be a unique experience through the season. "I'm going to give guys a tryout game and let them prove themselves, and I think Troy did that today".
The Northwest Indiana Oilmen will return to action when they host the Hammond Vikings at 7:10pm tomorrow. The Friday contest at Oil City Stadium can be seen at the ballpark or online on our Facebook page.
