The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – June 25, 2014 – Chicago starting pitcher Ben Krusen hurled a complete-game, the Oilmen mustered up just two hits and Northwest Indiana committed five error. All that added up to an 11-2 Zephyrs’ victory on Wednesday night at Oil City Stadium.

Oilmen starter Jimmy McNamara was tagged for seven runs, four of which were earned, on eight hits through 4+ innings of work. McNamara (2-1) suffered his first loss in a regular-season game in his two-year Oilmen career.

“Obviously, Jimmy didn’t have a good night and he knows it,” Huisman said. “He knows what he was doing wrong. I don’t care what team you’re facing or how good they’re hitting at the time, if you throw the ball where he was throwing the ball; you’re going to get hit around. He’ll be fine coming out in his next outing; I fully believe that.”

The Zephyrs were previously 0-7 when visiting the Oilmen and 0-9 overall in games played at Oil City Stadium. Chicago (3-14) snapped a seven-game losing streak with Wednesday’s victory.

Chicago jumped in front in the first inning with two runs before pouring on three more in the second with help from three Oilmen errors. Nate Schneider, Ryan Burvan and Kevin DeFilippis all committed errors in the second inning. DeFilippis later committed his second error of the game, while Rob Blissitt was charged with an E-7 on a dropped fly ball.

“If you’re not out here every day taking ground balls and getting game reps, sometimes you can crumble out there,” Huisman said. “No part of the game is easy, defense included.”

Larry Crisler doubled with one out in the fourth and eventually raced home on a Zack Jones sacrifice fly. Crisler’s double stood as the lone Oilmen hit of the game until Schneider singled in the ninth. The Oilmen scored their second run with two outs in the ninth as Nick Vogelmeier scored on a wild pitch.

Huisman called an impromptu team meeting on the field following the game.

“We just talked about what it takes to get better,” he said. “Are you doing everything it takes? It’s summer ball and it’s easy to sometimes relax a little bit, but these guys are all fighting for jobs wherever they go. Now is the time to work on that.”

Chicago’s Bobby Smith reached base in four of his five plate appearances, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, four runs scored and a hit by pitch. John Brodner had three hits including two doubles.

The Oilmen (11-6, 9-5) will attempt to bounce back on Thursday night against the Joliet Admirals in a game that starts at 7:10 p.m. It’s Community Night at the ballpark with all tickets available for $4. Hot dogs, Miller Lite drafts, pop and water will all be for sale for $1 at the concession stand.