The East scored early and often while pounding the West 18-2 in the Midwest League All-Star Game on Tuesday in Geneva, Ill.
The East scored 13 runs in the first two innings with Fort Wayne TinCaps catcher Austin Hedges driving in three of them. Hedges, who was in the starting lineup, hit a two-run double in the top of the first inning as the East took a 5-0 lead.
TinCaps pitcher Ardys Portillo started on the mound for the East and pitched a scoreless first inning. He allowed one baserunner, a walk to Jamal Austin to start the inning. Portillo was credited with the win.
The East scored eight runs in the bottom of the second to take a 13-0 lead. Hedges got another RBI on a single to left field. Hedges scored when the next batter, Tyler Goeddel, hit a two-run homer.
Other TinCaps contributing in the win were Jace Peterson and Frank Garces.
Peterson, a shortstop, was 1-for-2 with a run scored. Peterson hit a double in the ninth inning. The doubles by Peterson and Hedges were the only doubles for the East.
Garces pitched 2/3 of an inning in relief for the East. He didn’t allow a run and struck out one.
Homestead High School graduate Ryan Wright also contributed to the win for the East. Wright, who entered the game for the designated hitter in the fifth inning, was 1-for-3 with an RBI. Wright, who plays for the Dayton Dragons, drove in Peterson with a single in the ninth.
The East had 20 hits in the game and the West had seven.
The TinCaps will begin the second half of the season by hosting Lake County in a three-game set beginning at 7:05 p.m. Friday. Starting pitchers for the game are to be announced.
