After a setback in 2023, the American League (AL) returned to its dominant ways in the MLB All-Star Game, defeating the National League (NL) 5-3 on Tuesday at Globe Life Field. This victory marks the AL’s 10th win in the past 11 Midsummer Classics and their 22nd in the last 27 games.
Big hits from New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto, Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, and Cleveland Guardians breakout star David Fry powered the AL to victory. Duran, who hit the go-ahead homer, was named All-Star MVP, becoming the first Red Sox player to win the award since J.D. Drew in 2008.
The NL struck first with a three-run homer by Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani in the third inning, his first All-Star Game homer. However, the AL responded swiftly. Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien led off the bottom of the third with a single, followed by a walk from Cleveland’s Steven Kwan. Soto then doubled to cut the lead to one, and a pinch-hit single from Fry tied the game.
The go-ahead runs came in the fifth inning when Duran took Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene deep for a two-run homer. The AL bullpen held firm for the rest of the game, with a standout performance from Oakland Athletics’ Mason Miller, who struck out Ohtani and Trea Turner with his overpowering fastball.
With this win, Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy joined Tony La Russa as the only managers to win the All-Star Game with both leagues, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
The AL’s victory capped off an eventful All-Star week, which included Oregon State’s Travis Bazzana becoming the first Australian player taken No. 1 overall in the MLB Draft, and Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández winning the Home Run Derby after a memorable national anthem performance by Ingrid Andress.
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