The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

The clouds of the heavens parted over the Elkhart Athletic complex to allow for the game to happen. It took a lot of diamond dry and a ten-minute rain delay, but the game was able to be played despite storms rolling through the area. The clouds weren't the only place with some thunder, as Dasan Lee drove in four runs on two hits to lead the Oilmen past the Elkhart County Miracle 7-1 on Thursday. Lee singled in the first scoring two, singled in the fifth scoring one, and hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh scoring one.

The Oilmen were the first to get on the board in the first when Lee singled, scoring two runs.

A ground out by Jalen House extended the Oilmen lead to 3-0 in the top of the second inning.

Thomas Haggerty earned the win for the squad. He surrendered two hits and one run over six innings, striking out seven and walking six. Evan Lopez took the loss for Elkhart County. The starting pitcher went five innings, giving up four runs on five hits, striking out five and walking three. Quinn Flanagan collected the save for the Oilmen.

Isaiah White and Lee each collected two hits for the Oilmen. The Oilmen had patience at the plate, collecting seven walks for the game. John Wendling and Jake Pauley led the team with two free passes each. Pauley stole two bases. The Oilmen were blazing on the base paths, stealing five bases in the game. The boys also turned a whopping three double plays in the game. The Oilmen were sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Noah Caceres made the most plays with eight.

Nathaniel Garcia and Kameron Salazar each collected one hit for the Miracle. Elkhart County  had patience at the plate, collecting six walks for the game. Bryce Lesher and Mason Meyer led the team with two free passes each. Elkhart County turned one double play in the game. The Elkhart County Miracle were sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Juan Pinuelus had the most chances in the field with five.

The historic 8th win in a row has tied the Oilmen record. The team has combined excellent pitching with timely hitting to accomplish a feat of not only winning 8 games in a row, but starting the season off undefeated. This is truly commendable, and the Oilmen are very proud of this team for what they have already accomplished.

Dasaan Lee was selected as the White Castle player of the game for his tremendous first game with the team. Lee went 2-3 with 4 RBI in his debut with the Oilmen. He also held down first base, making a few quality plays. His ability to step up despite being the new guy on the squad gave the Oilmen the winning runs, and set the squad up for success.

Coach Tyler Zunkel shared his thoughts on the record-tying 8th win in a row. "Job's not finished yet. I am happy the boys came out with all of the rain and stuff, the field probably wasn't ready but we made it ready and got it done." Tommy Haggerty gave the team another boost for the start, which Zunkel noted gave the Oilmen a chance to go out there and get on top early. "They had a good arm, he worked on the mound. I think we were happy to see a faster fastball, a little more velo, and some of the guys really impressed me by jumping on that". The baserunning was huge today, and Zunkel says he is allowing the team a chance to turn it and burn it. "I want to give everyone a chance to have the green light, you have to find out on your own. The guys want to be aggressive, they want to get that extra base, and I'm not going to stop them from doing that if they see an opening".

Next up for Northwest Indiana Oilmen is a game at Griffith Generals on Friday. The game will start at 7pm, and can be watched on Facebook, X, JedTV, or RSN.