July 17th 2024.
Jarren Duran, a talented and humble player, made quite the impression in his first All-Star Game. He hit a two-run homer for the American League, breaking a tie and earning the MVP trophy named after Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams. Duran expressed his honor and admiration for Williams, stating that he couldn't think of anyone else he'd rather follow in the footsteps of. He also acknowledged Williams as not only a great baseball player, but also a great human being. Being the fifth Red Sox player to be selected as an All-Star Game MVP, Duran was grateful to receive such a prestigious award.
The fifth inning of the game proved to be decisive as the AL beat the National League 5-3, securing their 10th win in the last 11 All-Star Games. Pittsburgh rookie Paul Skenes started off strong for the NL, throwing a hitless first inning and reaching speeds of 100 mph. Shohei Ohtani, the record-breaking player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, also contributed to the AL's lead with a three-run homer in the third.
However, the NL quickly caught up with a two-run double from Juan Soto and a single from David Fry, tying the score in the third. But Duran's homer off Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds put the AL back in the lead, securing their victory. Duran, one of the 39 first-time All-Stars this year, described the moment as "surreal" and expressed his gratitude for being able to participate in such a prestigious event.
The AL's Oakland right-hander Mason Miller earned the win after throwing a 103.6 mph pitch, the fastest in All-Star Game history since tracking began in 2008. Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase also made an impact, striking out two in the ninth inning and securing the save for the AL.
Skenes, a 22-year-old rookie for the Pittsburgh Pirates, made history as the first rookie starter since 1995 and the player with the fewest games played to make an All-Star team. Despite his limited experience, Skenes threw a hitless first inning and reached speeds of up to 100.1 mph with his fastball. He expressed his excitement and gratitude for being able to showcase his skills on such a grand stage.
Ohtani, known for his incredible power at the plate, pulled a 400-foot homer to right field off Tanner Houck of the Boston Red Sox. This marked the first time a Dodgers player has hit a homer in the All-Star Game since Hall of Famer Mike Piazza in 1996. Ohtani, who turned 30 just 11 days before the game, was an All-Star for the fourth time, but his first with the National League.
Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles, who replaced Soto in right field, hit a single in the fifth inning before Duran's 413-foot homer to right-center field. Duran, who had taken over for Judge in center field, described the moment as "surreal" and credited his success to his patience and focus in the at-bat. He also praised Hunter Greene for his impressive pitching, saying he was just hoping for a pitch up in the zone.
Duran's performance earned him the All-Star MVP award, making him the first Red Sox player to receive the honor since J.D. Drew in 2008. This was not surprising considering Duran's impressive stats, which include at least 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 homers, and 20 stolen bases going into the All-Star break.
The AL has a strong record in the All-Star Game, with a total of 48 wins compared to the NL's 44. However, the NL broke the AL's nine-game winning streak last year with a 3-2 victory in Seattle. This year, AL starter Corbin Burnes, who had just welcomed newborn twin daughters, allowed a walk and a double before getting out of the inning with a groundout.
The game was played in just 2 hours and 28 minutes, making it the shortest All-Star Game since 1988, when the AL won 2-1 in Cincinnati. Host manager Bruce Bochy made history as the first manager to win World Series titles and All-Star Games in both leagues, with a record of 2-3 as an All-Star manager. He also led the San Francisco Giants to three World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014 before winning the championship with the Rangers last year.
Fans can look forward to the regular season resuming on Friday with 14 games scheduled, except for the Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins who will play on Saturday. The Philadelphia Phillies currently have the best record in the majors, while the Cleveland Indians have the best record in the AL with a .611 winning percentage. However, the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees are close behind with 58 wins each.
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