06/08/2023 8:37 PM –
HAMMOND, Ind. – The Griffith Generals entered today as the only winless team in the Northern League, but clutch hitting and a timely sunset helped push the Generals past the Vikings in an 8-5 win to get a much anticipated first win. The game was called due to darkness after eight innings at Dowling Park.
It all finally came together for the Generals, as the defense was clean, the pitching was solid all the way through, and clutch hits pushed runs across the plate. Bryce Vorwald led the way with two RBI singles, doubling his hit total for the year. He also had a stolen base, a common occurrence throughout the Generals’ lineup.
“Felt good,” remarked Vorwald after a productive night. “I haven’t played in a while, and it felt good to get some barrels.” On top of his two hits, he had a lineout to shortstop that coach Peter Romsek said was a ball hit “on the screws.” Romsek further praised Vorwald by saying, “Something we’ve been lacking is clutch hitting with runners in scoring position, and he hit two. He’s continuing to make a difference on a daily basis.”
Romsek also highlighted the demeanor of his squad, saying, “Tonight was the first night I thought we all started to play loose.” Everyone in the dugout was clinging to the top railing and cheering on their teammates all game.
Regarding the game as a whole, Romsek noted the cohesive team effort on both sides of the ball. “Offensively, we were great today. The defense has been elite for us as well.” The only Generals error in the score column came from a pickoff throw attempt, which careened off of a Viking helmet on a dive back into second base.
“I think it starts a fire for us,” replied Bryce Vorwald when asked what the win meant for the Generals. They will face the Lake County Corn Dogs in Crown Point tomorrow at 7 p.m., game four of 13 in a row.