West stifles East for Appy League All-Star victory

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A pair of homers and a string of strong pitching performances guaranteed the Appalachian League West Division All-Stars a victory inside TVA Credit Union Ballpark, 4-1.

Greeneville’s Brodie Johnston started the party with a solo shot over the left-field fence in the first inning, making it 1-0.

The East Division All-Stars leveled the contest in the sixth inning with an RBI single from Alexander Wright (Bluefield). But, the West’s response was immediate.

Rintaro Sasaki (Greeneville) smoked an RBI single right back up the middle in the bottom half, as the West retook the lead, 2-1.

Devan Zirwas (Kingsport) used an RBI groundout to extend the lead even further, 3-1. Mason Swinney (Kingsport) put the cherry on top when he lifted a solo home run to right field to round out the scoring.

All ten West Division pitchers saw action in the victory, as Zach Neville (Bristol) picked up the win, despite allowing the lone opponents’ run.

Brady Frederick (Greeneville/ETSU) pitched the eighth inning, allowing just one hit.

The Appalachian League returns to regular season action on Wednesday night – with games in Johnson City, Greeneville, Kingsport and Elizabethton.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.