06/05/2015 11:16 AM -
FRIDAY’S Game:
Northwest Indiana Oilmen (3-0)
at Michigan City Lakers (0-2)
June 5, 2015 • 5 p.m. • Michigan City, Ind.
Radio: None
Internet Broadcast: nwioilmen.com
Pitching Matchup
NWI’s Christian Howell (Minnesota State Mankato / Aurora, Ill.) vs. Michigan City’s Bobby Humphreys (Indiana University / Chesterton, Ind.)
For Starters
The Oilmen have scored exactly five runs in each of their first three games this season. NWI scored exactly five runs in a league game only twice all of last year. The Oilmen are off to the first 3-0 start in franchise history. They are batting just .230 as a team, but hold a 1.67 team ERA. Richard Yelnick has appeared in all three Oilmen games out of the bullpen, working 4 2/3 scoreless innings without allowing a baserunner. Brian Jestice recorded seven strikeouts while also inducting 10 fly-ball outs in his Oilmen debut on Thursday.
Inside the Oilmen
Northwest Indiana will call upon Minnesota State Mankato right-hander Christian Howell to start Friday’s game. He boasted an unblemished 6-0 record during the spring season with a 4.67 ERA. He earned six wins, tying for second on his team in that statistical category despite making only one start and 10 relief appearances. Tyler Sroczynski has collected a team-high five hits and holds a .500 batting average. Sam Geraci has a team-most three runs scored, while Alec Olund, Brian Seymour and Stefano Belmonte have each driven in three runs.
Inside the Lakers
The Lakers enter Friday seeking their first-ever Midwest Collegiate League victory. They fell to Southland 6-5 on Thursday as the Vikings rallied for three runs in the seventh inning to pick up their first win under Tony Sanchez. The Lakers pitching staff issued 11 walks in Thursday’s game. Michigan City is scheduled to start Chesterton High School graduate Bobby Humphreys on Friday. The Lakers are batting .197 as a team in two MCL games and hold a 5.50 team ERA.
About the Matchup
This marks the first time the Oilmen and Lakers have hooked up since Michigan City joined the Midwest Collegiate League. However, the two teams have met in 10 exhibition games over the last two seasons, with the Oilmen prevailing in seven of those matchups. The Oilmen will make their second trip to Marquette Athletic Complex after winning there a season ago. Overall, Northwest Indiana is 4-1 in Michigan City.
Around the League
DuPage County is the only team in the Midwest Collegiate League with a team batting average above .250. The Hounds are hitting at a .343 clip through three games. Hounds pitcher Tom Concklin took a no-hitter into the eighth inning and struck out 10 in Thursday’s 5-1 win over Lexington. The Hounds host the Snipes on Friday.
Click "download attachment" to view full Oilmen game notes.
