The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – July 28, 2020 – The Oilmen (14-7) were able to continue their perfect record following a loss thanks to a monster nine-run ninth inning. The Oilmen defeated the Joliet Generals (3-16) for the third time this season taking the game 14-7.

The Oilmen offense was led by Kendal Ewell (Eastern Kentucky / Calumet, Ill.) who hit two home runs and a double finishing with six RBIs in the game. Ewell had struck out in his two previous at-bats before blasting his first home run in the sixth inning.

“I just tried to stay aggressive,” Kendal Ewell said. “They threw me a couple of pitches to hit and I took advantage the best I could.”

Ewell wasn't the only Oilmen to hit a home run as Conner Tomasic (Purdue / Schererville, Ind.) blasted a no-doubt homer that got the ninth inning rolling. Every Oilmen player recorded a hit in the lineup today which contributed to the 14 runs. 

The Oilmen starter Joe Rotkis (Morehead State / Granger, Ind.) settled in to throw six innings only allowing one earned run and struck out eight General hitters.

"Rotkis battled through the first few innings," Oilmen manager Chris Cunningham said. "After that, he settled in. We know that we are going to have a chance to win when he is pitching."

The Oilmen are now 7-0 following a loss this season as they were able to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Hounds last night. They have now scored 23 runs in their last two games.

"It was nice to see us string together some extra-base hits," Cunningham said. "Everyone hit today and hopefully we can stay hot."

John Maynard (Lincoln Trail / Griffith, Ind.) came in relief and was the winning pitcher. The Generals newly added reliever, Connor Krantz was hooked with the loss.

The Oilmen finish up their three-game road trip tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. against the MCL Minutemen. You can tune into the Oilmen broadcasting network via Facebook Live to listen to Brandon Vickrey, Andrew Fish, and Ryan Zimmerman on the call.