The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

The Northwest Indiana Oilmen, who have been on a roll lately, had won five games in a row heading into this week with a record of 8-4 and 7-3 in the Midwest Collegiate League. The Oilmen had an off day on Monday night. The first Oilmen game of the week was a non-league game versus the Michigan City Lakers on Tuesday.

Tuesday was Green Day at the ballpark with 50 percent of the ticket sales going to Nathan Hale Elementary School’s 3 R’s project. Globey, The Green Streak and Oilmen mascot Oilman Stan were all in attendance for the game to support the cause. Kids from Nathan Hale Elementary School were in attendance as well.

The Oilmen were victorious in the game versus the Lakers, winning by the score of 5-3. Scott Jerge made his first start of the season for the Oilmen, pitching three innings giving up two hits, not allowing a run and issuing one walk along with three strikeouts. Left fielder Jason Gasser went 1-for-2 in the game with two walks and a key two-RBI single in the fourth inning.

Andrew Jackson came in the game in the sixth inning to make his Oilmen debut. Jackson pitched two innings not allowing a run giving up two hits, walking two and striking out two. Aaron Glatt came into the game in the eighth inning to hold the score to 5-2.

Munster grad, Anthony Gomez came in the game to get the save for the Oilmen, but he ran into trouble in the ninth inning as the Lakers tried to start a rally. Gomez hit Jerry Hodges before Garett Walter got a base hit. The Lakers had two on with nobody out then Huisman went to the mound to talk to Gomez to settle him down.

Gomez struck out Nick Latham, and forced Marty Napleton to fly out to right field but the Lakers struck with two outs in the ninth inning. Lakers pitch hit Kody Alyon in to bat against Gomez and Alyon swung at the first pitch for an RBI single scoring Hodges from second. Gomez walked Lou Grounds and he was able to have Mark Dye lineout to the shortstop to end the game.

The Oilmen were scheduled to travel to Homewood-Flossmoor High School to take on the rival Southland Vikings on Wednesday night. However, the game was postponed to the heavy rainfall throughout the night.

The Oilmen were hoping the next day’s weather would be a lot nicer when this time the Chicago Zephyrs would come to Oil City Stadium. The game was going smoothly until the third inning start of the third inning when it started to rain. The Oilmen and Zephyrs were able to go through three innings until it was put under a lightning delay for 15 minutes. After the delay, the game once again was postponed due to constant rain throughout the day and night.

The Oilmen would try for the third night in a row to get a game in and the Oilmen were able to do just that playing Friday night against the Joliet Admirals. The entire game was a pitcher’s duel with the Oilmen striking first in the bottom of the fourth on a RBI double right off the wall by designated hitter Zack Jones.

Oilmen starter Cameron Linck was locked in all game, going six innings allowing three hits, issuing four walks and striking out three. The Oilmen bullpen did the rest as Danny Pobereyko pitched a scoreless seventh inning and Garett Sherrell pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Matt Pobereyko was able to pick up his MCL-leading seventh save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out the first two batters he faced and having James Roberts fly out to right field. The Oilmen tied an MCL record with the seventh consecutive victory with the win versus the Admirals.

The Oilmen were looking to make it eight wins in a row Saturday night versus the Chicago Zephyrs but the game was postponed due to the rain.

The Oilmen have four home games this upcoming week. Monday night is a Mustache Monday game against the Southland Vikings as all fans with mustaches receive free admission to the game. Wednesday is versus the Chicago Zephyrs, Thursday versus the Joliet Admirals, Friday against the DuPage County Hounds, and over the weekend the Oilmen travel to face the Zephyrs and Admirals.