The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – July 15, 2023 – The Northwest Indiana Oilmen and Southland Vikings battled in the early innings before Cain Headrick unloaded the bases for the Oilmen. The Oilmen beat the Vikings 6-2 on Saturday at Oil City Stadium in Whiting, Ind.

Brandon Laux was credited with the win. He went six innings and allowed two runs on three hits to go along with five strikeouts. Laux exited after the sixth inning with the Oilmen leading 3-2. A familiar face for the Oilmen came in for the last three innings. Matt Lelito held the Vikings scoreless and hitless through three. He also struck out a pair while recording his first save of the season.

“Lelito was well rested and hasn’t thrown a lot this summer so it will be nice to be able to slot him in at any role,” manager Adam Enright said. “Pitching at this point in the summer is always the toughest thing to come by.”

After taking the lead early on timely hitting from Jayden and Branden Comia, Cain Headrick opened up the ballgame. Headrick hit a three-run double to increase the Oilmen lead from one to four. It was Headrick’s second hit of the day and would ultimately give the Oilmen the win.

“Headrick is a very good fastball hitter and kind of a free swinger,” Enright said. “A good fastball hitter in a situation where your going to see some hittable fastballs made it a favorable matchup.”

The Oilmen improve to 23-14 after the win over the Vikings. The Oilmen travel to Brian Jennings Field in Griffith, Ind. on Sunday night to face the Griffith Generals. First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m.