07/13/2024 12:25 PM -
The Northwest Indiana Oilmen could not hang on to survive a late surge from the Griffith Generals in an 8-5 loss on Friday.
The Oilmen got on the board in the first inning after an error scored one run.
The game was locked at 1-0 until a home run to left field by Tripp Davis gave the Griffith Generals the lead, 2-1.
The Oilmen tied the game in the bottom of the eighth thanks to a double by Noah Caceres, a double by Emmanuel Scott, and a single by Johnny Wendling. The late rally gave the Oilmen some hope.
It was then the Griffith Generals who took the lead in the top of the ninth. Connor Jerkatis singled, scoring one run, to give the Griffith Generals the upper hand, 5-4.
Dasaan Lee walked, which helped Northwest Indiana Oilmen tie the game at five in the bottom of the ninth. The Oilmen were unable to cash in with the bases loaded in a tie game. Emmanuel Scott ripped a ball up the line that was called foul, which then turned the tides.
In the top of the tenth, the Griffith Generals broke up the tie when Graham Gonzales singled, scoring two runs. Then a fielder's choice from Angel Ramirez followed to extend the lead to 8-5.
Ayden Elixson earned the win for Griffith Generals. The reliever allowed zero hits and zero runs over one and one-third innings, striking out none and walking none. James Denten took the loss for the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. The reliever went one inning, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits, striking out two and walking none. RJ Bergren stepped on the bump first for Northwest Indiana Oilmen. He allowed four hits and two runs over five and one-third innings, striking out four and walking four. These earned runs were the first allowed of the year for RJ. Draza Dupor started the game for Griffith Generals. They gave up two hits and one run (zero earned) over six innings, striking out six and walking three.
Scott went 2-for-5 at the plate to lead the Oilmen in hits. Wendling, Caceres, Scott, and Lee each drove in one run for Northwest Indiana Oilmen. Andrew Gould paced the Oilmen with three walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, piling up nine walks for the game. Gould stole two bases. The Oilmen ran wild on the base paths, amassing four stolen bases for the game. The Northwest Indiana Oilmen also turned three double plays in the game.
The White Castle Player of the Game was given to Emmanuel Scott, who set the tone for the team with two doubles. The catcher went 2-5, while also nearly winning the game in the 9th inning with a ball called foul down the line. Scott has been a consistent presence for the Oilmen, and we will look for him to continue his excellence as the season goes on.
The Oilmen return to action at home on Saturday against the Hammond Vikings at 7:10pm on Saturday. The Oilmen, now 20-6 on the year, will work to remain atop the Northern League, but are only one game ahead of the Elkhart County Miracle (19-7).
