06/25/2024 9:41 AM -
The Northwest Indiana Oilmen won big over the Hammond Vikings 12-6 on Monday.
The Oilmen got on the board in the first inning after James Denten hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run.
James Kirk walked, which helped the Hammond Vikings tie the game at one in the bottom of the first.
A single by Zamaurion Hatcher gave the Oilmen the lead, 2-1, in the top of the second.
Dre Allred homered to left field, which boosted the Hammond Vikings tie the game at two in the bottom of the second.
A single by Ian Farrell gave the Oilmen the lead, 3-2, in the top of the third.
The Hammond Vikings made the score 6-3 in the bottom of the third after a passed ball scored one run, Owen Bendis singled, scoring two runs, and Chris Webb singled, scoring one run.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Oilmen went back into the lead after Noah Caceres homered to right field, Ethan Ganz walked, Ian Farrell walked, and Z Hatcher grounded out, each scoring one run.
The Oilmen scored five runs on six hits in the top of the fifth inning. James Denten doubled, scoring one run, Emmanuel Scott doubled, scoring one run, Ethan Ganz singled, scoring one run, and Ian Farrell doubled, scoring two runs.
Anthony Valenza earned the win for the Oilmen. The righty from St Xavier University allowed six hits and six runs over three innings, striking out one and walking five. Elijah Rodriguez took the loss for the Hammond Vikings. He went four and two-thirds innings, surrendering 11 runs (nine earned) on 10 hits, striking out one and walking seven. Troy Vosburgh collected the save for the Oilmen.
The Oilmen piled up 13 hits in the game. Farrell led the Oilmen with four runs batted in from the number seven spot in the lineup. The third baseman went 2-for-4 on the day. Jalen House, Ian Farrell, Ryan Henschel, and AJ Taylor each collected two hits for the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. Ethan Ganz led the Oilmen with four walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, collecting eight walks for the game. The Oilmen were sure-handed and didn't commit a single error.
Owen Bendis seized on their opportunities, leading the Hammond Vikings with two runs batted in from the number seven spot in the lineup. The left fielder went 1-for-4 on the day. Dre Allred, Hammond Vikings's number eight hitter, led the team with two hits in two at-bats. The Hammond Vikings had a strong eye at the plate, piling up seven walks for the game. Allred, Webb, and Kirk led the team with two walks each. Allred stole two bases.
Jalen House was selected as the White Castle Player of the Game after going 2-4 with two doubles and a walk. House set the tone by reaching third in the first at bat of the game and scoring the first run. House also provided exceptional defense in center field that helped the Oilmen hang on for the 12-6 victory in 6 innings.
The Oilmen welcome the Hammond Vikings on Tuesday for their next game at 7:30pm in Oil City Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at the gate to watch the 13-2 Oilmen battle for the 3rd game of the series against the Vikings.
