By: Evan Rogers

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — In a low-scoring affair, the West All-Star team defeated the East squad, 3-2, Sunday night at Ting Stadium.

On the first pitch of the night, left fielder Cameron Pittman (Radford) launched a single into the right-field gap. After a groundout advanced Pittman to second base, the West were unable to cash in, as pitcher Tyler Wehrle (Tiffin) retired the next two batters via strikeout. 

The pitchers from both staff’s continued to better opposing batters as the game remained scoreless through the first four innings. During the early shutout, pitcher Jared Donalson (Georgia Southwestern) of the West team shined, recording two strikeouts and surrendering zero hits over two innings of work. 

In the top of the fifth inning, the standstill was broken. 

The West team’s Indiana Stanley (Columbia) advanced to first after being hit by a pitch. Shortly after, the Savannah Banana found his way around the diamond after stealing twice and capitalizing on an error by the East. 

However, the East squad would respond in the same inning. Right fielder Ethan Ott (UNC Pembroke) scored the tying run thanks to a sacrifice flyout by third baseman Taber Mongero (UNC Wilmington).

In the following frame, the West broke open the contest. Center fielder Ty Jackson’s (East Georgia) scamper home following a wild pitch highlighted an inning in which the West unlatched a 3-1 lead. 

The two-run frame proved to be the difference for the West squad, as the East’s comeback attempt would fall short, 3-2.

Savannah Banana Beau Brewer (Paris JC) earned batter of the game honors after recording the lone RBI for the West. Moreover, Tri-City Chili Pepper Hayden Snelsire (Randolph-Macon) was awarded the pitcher of the game due to his three strikeouts in the lone inning he pitched.