The American League saw its nine-game winning streak at the All-Star Game end last year, and the team’s best players went to great lengths to remind the National League that it was just a blip.
A 5-3 win Tuesday night in the All-Star Game allowed the American League to return to winning ways, with a 10th triumph in the last 11 editions. The American League has won 22 of the last 27 editions.
Shohei Ohtani’s swing produced the only three runs for the National League with a home run, while the American League took advantage of a double by Juan Soto, a single by David Fry, and a long ball by Jarren Duran.
Duran’s winning home run also earned him the Ted Williams Trophy, awarded to the game’s MVP.
Duran is the fifth Red Sox player to be named All-Star MVP and the first since J.D. Drew in 2008. The others are Pedro Martinez (1999), Roger Clemens (1986), and Carl Yastrzemski (1970).
“It’s a surreal moment, I’m just grateful to be here,” said Duran, who was one of 39 players making his first All-Star appearance.
No fewer than 10 pitchers made an appearance on the National League mound. Kyle Finnegan was the only pitcher who did not see action in the game.
Toronto Blue Jays starter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. did not reach the base in two at-bats.
The 2025 All-Star Game will be held at Truist Park in Atlanta.
The American League Affair
The game opened with a very interesting confrontation between the powerful Aaron Judge and the all-star rookie Paul Skenes, on the mound. It was the 22-year-old pitcher who got the better of Judge to end the inning, without having allowed a single hit.
The first offensive bursts came in the third inning. With two men on base, Shohei Ohtani made short work of Tanner Houck’s pitch and hit a 400-foot long ball to give the National League a 3-0 lead.
Ohtani became the first Dodgers player to homer in the All-Star Game since Mike Piazza in 1996. Ironically, Teoscar Hernandez became the first player in Dodgers history to win the home run contest Monday night.
The American League quickly responded in the bottom of the third inning, with two men on base. Juan Soto hit a safe ball to center field and stretched his hit into a double, allowing his team to reduce the deficit to 3-2. Soto then crossed the plate a few moments later on a single by David Fry.
Then in the fifth inning, following a single by Anthony Santander, the American League took a two-run lead when Jarren Duran hit a long ball 413 feet to center field.
The National League then took everyone by surprise in the sixth inning. After pitcher Cristopher Sanchez retired two batters on two pitches entering the sixth, he was removed from the game in favor of Reynaldo Lopez.
Despite its total of 10 hits in the game, the National League was unable to come back from behind.
American League Dominates in All-Star Game
The American League flexed its muscles in the 2024 All-Star Game, shutting down the National League in a thrilling 5-3 victory at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. The win marked the American’s tenth triumph in the last 11 editions of the midsummer classic, further solidifying their dominance in recent years.
A Thrilling Back-and-Forth Battle
The game was a rollercoaster of excitement from the first pitch, with both teams trading blows throughout the night. The National League took an early lead in the third inning thanks to a three-run homer by Shohei Ohtani, who launched a towering blast 400 feet to center field. With the homer, Ohtani became the first Dodgers player to homer in the All-Star Game since Mike Piazza in 1996.
However, the American League quickly responded in the bottom of the third inning, cutting the deficit to 3-2 with a double by Juan Soto and a single by David Fry. The American League then took the lead in the fifth inning when Jarren Duran blasted a 413-foot homer, giving the AL a 5-3 lead.
Duran Earns MVP Honors
Duran’s clutch performance earned him the coveted Ted Williams Trophy as the game’s MVP. He became the fifth Red Sox player to be named All-Star MVP and the first since J.D. Drew in 2008.
“It’s a surreal moment, I’m just grateful to be here,” Duran said, expressing his joy and humility following the historic victory.
A Night of Stellar Pitching
The All-Star Game saw a total of 10 pitchers take the mound for the National League, showcasing a diverse array of pitching styles and skills. Kyle Finnegan was the only pitcher who did not see action in the game.
## Notable Performances
The American League’s victory was a testament to their offensive firepower and their ability to overcome adversity. Notable performances included:
* **Juan Soto:** The star outfielder recorded a double and a run scored in the game, showcasing his remarkable hitting ability.
* **David Fry:** Fry’s single in the third inning proved pivotal in the American’s response to the National’s early lead.
* **Jarren Duran:** Duran’s game-winning homer and MVP performance cemented his status as one of the AL’s rising stars.
* **Aaron Judge:** The American League’s starting pitcher, Aaron Judge, pitched a scoreless first inning, keeping the National’s offense at bay.
Looking Forward to 2025
The 2025 All-Star Game is set to take place at Truist Park in Atlanta, promising another exciting clash between the AL and NL. With both leagues showcasing their top talent, fans can expect another thrilling battle for bragging rights.
