GRIFFITH, Ind. – A new era for Griffith Generals baseball started tonight with “Scout” the mascot being unveiled in a ceremony before the game. The Generals welcomed their new canine friend into Brian Jennings Field by absolutely dominating the Northwest Indiana Oilmen by a score of 11-1 in a seven-inning run rule. As fireworks lit up the sky, the Generals lit up the Oilmen pitching staff with 11 hits, ten walks, and two hit batsmen.
Nic Altobelli lead the way for the Generals, going 2-4 with four RBI. Ronnie Nowak contributed in the bottom third of the order, reaching base all four times on two walks and two hits, driving in two runs. Joey Carra had his second three-hit game of the week as well.
The Generals defense finally rallied around Jimmy Fairley, helping him secure his first win of the season. He pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three batters before the next man stepped up in a “bullpen day” for Griffith. Evan Nieter dealt two scoreless innings, Osvaldo Ballesteros notched a scoreless frame, and Josh Warn finished the Oilmen off, giving up only one run in two innings pitched.
With head coach Peter Romsek away on a recruiting event for Saint Xavier University, pitching coach Ryan Jemar took on the position of temporary skipper. He was thrilled with the best performance the Generals have pieced together all year, saying the “offense really stepped up today. Pitching was really good. In my eyes, we played a complete ball game.”
Aaron Orzech was the man who led the way on defense for the Generals, as he caught all four pitchers the Generals used today. Orzech credited team chemistry to the pitching success, saying, “It was cool. Getting to connect with those guys on and off the field really helps. Going to battle with them is something that I look forward to each day.”
The win tonight sent shock waves around the Northern League, putting the Lake County Corn Dogs within half a game of retaking first place from the Oilmen. Tonight was also the first time the Generals had beaten one of the top teams in the league, as they were a combined 0-7 against the Oilmen and the Corn Dogs this season.
The Northern League will take a break tomorrow on America’s 247th birthday. The Generals will return to action on Wednesday against the same Oilmen squad at 7:10 p.m. in Whiting.