The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

All good things must come to an end, and the Oilmen's 10-game win streak did just that. After a perfect start to the season, the Elkhart County Miracle sent the Oilmen home with their first loss of the year. The Northwest Indiana Oilmen stayed in it until the end, but the Elkhart County Miracle pulled away late in a 3-2 victory on Tuesday. The game was tied at two in the top of the eighth when Tommy Cartagena of Elkhart singled, scoring one run.

Both teams were strong on the mound. Elkhart County Miracle pitchers struck out 13, while Oilmen hurlers sat down 16.

A double by Jake LaVine put the Northwest Indiana Oilmen on the board in the bottom of the fifth, breaking the scoreless ballgame.

The Elkhart County Miracle took the lead, 3-2, in the top of the eighth thanks to singles by Edgar Perez, and Cartagena.

Julio Garcia earned the win for the Elkhart County Miracle. They allowed one hit and zero runs over two innings, striking out four and walking one. Ryan Sigale took the loss for the Oilmen. The reliever went two innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits, striking out three and walking none. Carlos Canelon led things off on the hill for the Oilmen. The starting pitcher allowed zero hits and zero runs over six innings, striking out 13 and walking none. Cristopher Gonzalez began the game for the Miracle. The righty surrendered five hits and two runs over six innings, striking out eight and walking two. Neraldo Catalina earned the save.

Troy Vosburgh, Jalen House, LaVine, Zamaurion Hatcher, Emmanuel Scott, and James Denten each collected one hit for the Oilmen. Ian Farrell and Jake LaVine each drove in one run for the Oilmen. The Oilmen turned one double play in the game.

Carlos Canelon was perfect through 6 innings, making him the obvious choice for White Castle Player of the Game. Canelon fanned 13 without allowing a single baserunner in the 6 frames. Canelon has now thrown 11 no-hit innings in his time with the Oilmen

Tyler Zunkel was happy with what his team did, even though it resulted in their first loss of the year. "We probably could have hit a little more. Pitchers were great, they threw a stud at us, we got another gem out of Carlos. He (Canelon) is still coming back so hopefully we can get a little more out of him next time out, but bats have to step up in these situations". Zunkel raved about Carlos Canelon's dominance through his 11 no-hit innings with the team. "He's a man amongst boys, in short. I could say so many great things about him. He controls the pace, he controls the game, he throws whatever he wants in any count. If I had five pitchers like him it would be an easy life". Zunkel was also not unaware of the quality of opponent they faced in the Miracle, as they'll likely be the biggest competition for the Oilmen this season. "There are some learning moments. We would get into hitters counts and they'd throw a fastball and we would foul it off late, and you should never be late on a pitch you are sitting. Some of our guys still had some trouble catching up, so hopefully they can learn from this and we will be better because of it".

Northwest Indiana Oilmen welcome Griffith Generals on Thursday for their next game, kicking off a three-game homestand at 7:10pm.