The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting Ind.- The Northwest Indiana Oilmen were looking to tighten things up after a loss to the Crestwood Panthers on Monday that saw them commit four errors. 

In their Tuesday night matchup with the Southland Vikings it was the middle infield of Jack Zebig (Plainfield/ Maryville) at shortstop and David Marshall (Downers Grove/ College of DuPage) at second base that would help turn two early double plays to provide some early defensive clarity. The smooth defense helped the Oilmen grab a 5-1 win over the Vikings.

“We’re a much different team when Jack Zebig’s in the lineup playing short,” Oilmen Manager Adam Enright said.  “He gives us more opportunities to turn double plays which we did early. Those are huge because saving pitch counts is the name of the game.”

With the defense taking care of business behind him, starting pitcher Silas Noe (Wilmette/Wabaunsee) was able to work confidently on the mound, throwing six innings with just two hits scattered across those frames. Noe was able to record a strikeout in the third inning with the bases loaded to subdue a Southland rally and only allowed two base runners from that point on. 

“He has always expected that from himself and I think today was the point where he kinda put it all together. He was solid from start to finish.” Enright said. 

Zebig also helped pace the Oilmen offense with three hits including a triple to lead off the fifth inning. The 2022 Marmion Academy graduate has helped the Oilmen offense throughout the season while improving his skills

.“He really understands his strengths and knows what to look for to use those strengths instead of just swinging away.” Enright said.

Cain Headrick also contributed three hits in the win while Marshall and Jason Hodges (Park Forest/ John A. Logan) both added a pair of base knocks. The Oilmen tallied up 15 hits as a team.

The Oilmen will try to tack on another win Wednesday night when they host Southland for a rematch at Oil City Stadium at 7:10 P.M. The game will be broadcast across all platforms of the Oilmen Broadcast Network.