After six runs in the first three innings and a six-inning shutout by starter Justin Hancock, the TinCaps looked to be cruising to a win against Bowling Green on Thursday.FORT WAYNE – Adys Portillo showed why he was the starting pitcher for the All-Star Game.
Fort Wayne’s right-hander surrendered three hits in six scoreless innings Saturday against Lake County. The TinCaps limited the Captains to four hits in a 4-0 Fort Wayne victory in front of 7,526 fans at Parkview Field.
“I felt really good today. My fastball was working really good,” Portillo said. “I commanded the fastball in and the fastball outside, and my team gave me run support. That gave me more confidence.”
Portillo struck out four and did not give up a walk. He lowered his ERA to 1.76, the best in the Midwest League.
“He’s been unbelievable,” TinCaps manager Jose Valentin said. “Every time he goes on the mound, you know he’s going to have a great game.”
Portillo (5-4) started for the Eastern Division in Tuesday’s Midwest League All-Star Game. He pitched a scoreless inning and was the winning pitcher in the East’s 18-2 victory.
“The first thing I did was call my mother and say that’s a big honor,” Portillo said of the All-Star start.
“And then to get the win too. And to start the second half with a win, that’s really good.”
The TinCaps came through with four runs in the first inning in support of Portillo on Saturday.
“That’s really good. When you go out there and have run support, it doesn’t matter if you miss on one pitch,” Portillo said.
Jace Peterson, Donavan Tate and Mike Gallic began the bottom of the first with singles. Lee Orr drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home the first run for Fort Wayne (2-0, 33-39 overall). Tate scored when Yeison Asencio grounded out.
Duanel Jones added a two-out, two-run single to stretch the lead to 4-0.
“It was nice to see him go up there and get a big hit with a 3-0 count,” Valentin said.
Peterson singled with two outs in the second inning. That was Fort Wayne’s last hit.
Turns out the team didn’t need any more offense.
Only two Lake County (0-2, 31-40) runners reached scoring position against Portillo.
James Jones gave up one hit in two relief innings. Luis De La Cruz struck out two of the three batters he faced.
Fort Wayne’s fast start to the second half has coincided with a visit from members of San Diego’s front office, including Randy Smith, the director of player development.
“They want to show to the big boss that they are good enough,” Valentin said. “I’m going to talk to Randy, and he might have to stay here for the rest of the year.”
