The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

With the Oilmen back home for another three game homestand, they started things off with a come from behind victory against the Indiana Panthers Thursday night at Oil City Stadium. In a game with 30 combined hits, offense was all over the place, and the Oilmen found a way to come out on top.

The Oilmen defeated the Panthers 11-8, giving the Oilmen the solo spot at first place in the league standings, and sets the Panthers two games back from fourth place. Offensively, the Oilmen had yet another strong performance, totaling two home runs and five total extra base hits. 

Both Jayden Comia and Emanuel Scott hit two-run home runs over the left-center fence, Comia’s in the fifth, and Scott’s in the seventh.

“That’s exactly what we like to see is more home runs, and it’s nice to see [Emanuel] square one up and give himself a little confidence,” Oilmen manager Adam Enright said. “Comia always gets his money's worth at the plate, he’s one of those good examples to look at when you’re in hitters counts”. 

Thursday was Comia’s third homer of the season and Scott’s first this year. As a team, the Oilmen had hit 16 home runs, leading the Northern League. 

However, while the Oilmen won, it was no easy battle. The Panthers posted 18 hits, six of them being doubles. The Panthers offense gave Oilmen starter Silas Noe some trouble early on, as the Panthers led 4-0 through four. Noe allowed nine hits and four runs, putting the Oilmen in a tough spot. 

The Oilmen bullpen came through, thanks to the likes of Matt Ostrowski and Tanner Sobkoviak. Both Ostrowski and Sobkoviak went two innings, Sobkoviak striking out five, and Ostrowski allowing just one hit. 

“[Ostrowski] commands fastballs and sliders and works extremely fast and throws a lot of strikes,” Enright said. “Tanner Sobkoviak threw a couple of really good sliders and did not walk as many as he’s had in the past.”

The Oilmen improved to 20-9, making them the first team to reach 20 wins this season. The Oilmen’s home record now stands at 16-2, and are back in the win column.

The Oilmen host a rematch against the Indiana Panthers Friday July 7 at Oil City Stadium in Whiting, Ind. at 7:10 p.m.