MLB All-Star Game Recap
The 2 days right after the MLB All-Star Game. That’s when you really have to get creative to watch some sports. Can I interest you in summer league basketball? How about some U.S Open Cup Soccer? I can only imagine what will be on SportsCenter. Maybe they’ll make that segment about the sick kid with unbreakable spirit 20 minutes long.
Anyway, one half of the baseball season is now officially behind us. A lot of question marks still remain, but we know one thing for certain. Home field advantage in the MLB Championship series has been officially awarded to the National League after The NL All-Stars knocked off the AL 8-0. That’s right. The All-Star Game counts now.
However, the starting lineups are decided by the fans. In fact, San Francisco Giants supporters almost succeeded in getting Tim Lincecum added to the rosters. Just kidding.
Besides, the Giants were responsible for essentially all the scoring, and starting pitcher Matt Cain turned in a fine performance. I do want to say this though.
-If a player or pitcher leads their respective leagues in every single statistical category; maybe they should start the All-Star Game. Especially if the pitcher is a 37 year old knuckleballer with a new lease on life who had a historic first half. You do want ratings, don’t you MLB? I’m sure that’s the reason behind the laughable “home-field” clause anyways.
If you really want ratings add a celebrity pitcher and turn it into a softball game. What’s Dan Cortese doing? Or better yet…Baseball. On. Ice. Look in the mirror and tell yourself you wouldn’t watch that.
Alright. Let’s get to the action. The game was pretty uneventful after the NL jumped on Justin Verlander for 5 runs in the first inning. Pablo Sandoval hit the first ever All-Star bases loaded triple, and the National League never looked back en route to an 8-0 shutout.
Melky Cabrera hit a 2 run home run in the 4th inning and was named the game’s MVP. The NL pitchers were on their game, combining on a six hit shutout.
Here’s what else you missed if you were watching WNBA.
Bryce Harper lost a fly ball in the lights and scowled at the sky as if he thought God was being a clown. Harper became the youngest all-star in history. Phenom Mike Trout reached base twice and stole 2 bases. Trout and Harper will surely be a common sight for the next 20 years or so.
Tony LaRussa was the winning manager and improved his All-Star record to 4-2. He also became the fourth inactive manager to coach an All-Star team. Hopefully he’ll ride off into the sunset now.
The National League became the first team to record 3 triples in All-Star history.
Unfortunately…..that’s about it.
There are many instances where a baseball game can be, for lack of a better word….boring. An 8-0 shutout is a perfect example.
So for future reference, if you can’t get psyched for the home-field advantage award; do what I do.
Gamble.
Baseball returns Friday and I anticipate a great 2nd half. The new playoff format with added teams should provide great theater and tense action until the very last day.
Fun Fact: Zach Greinke was ejected from last Saturday’s start after only 5 pitches, allowing him to start Sunday’s contest as well. He’s slated to pitch Friday which will make him the first pitcher to start 3 games in a row in more than a century.
Until next time.
