The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – July 9, 2013 – Ten Northwest Indiana Oilmen were featured on the South roster in Tuesday’s Midwest Collegiate League All-Star Game at Oil City Stadium in Whiting, a 12-4 victory over the North.

Leiff Clarkson posted two hits in three at-bats to lead the Oilmen offensive representatives.  Nick Bartolone and Jack Czszewski were also members of the South starting lineup.  Ty Hogan entered at catcher as a defensive substitute.  The Oilmen, Lexington Snipes and Southland Vikings formed the South squad, which was coached by Northwest Indiana Oilmen manager Justin Huisman.

“It’s fun to see the guys and meet the people that you just know their names,” Huisman said of his experience of participating in minor league All-Star games during his playing career.  “Just to have them all in one place at one time is kind of a special feeling.”

The visiting North team, comprised of DuPage County, Chicago and Rockford, was coached by Hounds’ skipper Sean Osborne. 

“Seeing all the uniforms is my favorite part of the big league All-Star game, so it’s the same thing here,” Czszewski said.  “This is my first time ever playing in an All-Star game.”

Lake Central High School graduate Jimmy McNamara started on the mound, working a shutout frame despite allowing two hits.  Oilmen pitchers Michael Steensen and Danny Poberyko (Bishop Noll) each worked scoreless frames in relief.

“They represented us well,” Huisman said.  “A lot of the pitchers put up zeroes, whether they had a full inning or just a couple of outs, they all did what they’ve been doing all year long.  With our offense, Leiff continued a hot bat lately and had a bunch of RBIs.  Jack got on base; all of them did a great job.”

Highland native John Livingston, who was representing Southland, singled and walked for the North.  Whiting High School graduate Andrew Lowe (Chicago Zephyrs) pitched an inning in front of his hometown fans, allowing three runs on three hits. 

“My coach texted me and said that I was going to the All-Star Game and I was like, ‘That’s pretty awesome, considering I’m getting to pitch in my hometown in front of friends and family,’” he said.

Sean Beesley of Southland posted four hits and swiped four bases to earn the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player distinction.

Scouts from the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies were in attendance for the game.

The Oilmen have an off day on Wednesday before returning to the diamond for Thursday’s 7:10 p.m. game against the Southland Vikings at Oil City Stadium.  For tickets to the Thirsty Thursday matchup, visit nwioilmen.com or come to the stadium ticket window on game day.