On Tuesday night in Arlington, Texas, the American League secured its 10th win in the last 11 All-Star Games by defeating the National League 5-3. Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox, the All-Star MVP, played a crucial role by hitting a tiebreaking two-run homer in the fifth inning. Pittsburgh rookie Paul Skenes impressed by pitching a hitless first for the NL, reaching speeds of 100 mph, while Shohei Ohtani contributed with a three-run homer in the third inning, giving the AL a 3-0 lead. The game saw exciting moments, including Juan Soto’s two-run double that tied the score in the third inning.
Duran’s performance was significant as he became the fifth Boston player to be named an All-Star MVP, joining a prestigious list of players like Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, and Carl Yastrzemski. Mason Miller of the Oakland Athletics secured the win after throwing an impressive 103.6 mph pitch, the fastest recorded in an All-Star Game since tracking began in 2008. Cleveland’s hard-throwing closer Emmanuel Clase closed the game with two strikeouts in the ninth inning, earning the save.
The All-Star Game also featured standout performances from young players like Skenes, who became the first rookie starter since 1995 and showed great potential on the mound. Ohtani, known for his exceptional season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hit a homer in the game, marking a historic moment for the team. The game was quick-paced and concluded in 2 hours and 28 minutes, making it the shortest All-Star Game since 1988.
Bruce Bochy, the manager of the host team, the Rangers, made history by becoming the first manager to win World Series titles and All-Star Games in both leagues. The MLB regular series is set to resume on Friday with 14 scheduled games, with teams like Philadelphia and Cleveland showcasing strong performances this season. The San Diego Padres are also set to play their 100th game against the Guardians on Friday night.
