The All Star Game always has a theme to it. This year it was pitching. The NL was just limited to three hits, and only one walk. The AL only scored three times, all on different occasions. Patrick Corbin, Cliff Lee, and Craig Kimbrel all allowed one run as only six extra-base hits were recorded.
Obviously, Marino Rivera stole the show. Jim Leyland pitched Mo in the eighth, making sure that he would get the chance to play, considering that the National League was home. The record-holder in saves came out from the bullpen and stood on the mound. By himself. The crowd, both squads, and practically everyone watching, stood and gave Mo a huge standing ovation. Then, promptly, Rivera delivered a 1-2-3 eighth inning.
Max Scherzer and Matt Harvey were the starters for their respective squads, as Scherzer pitched to three hitters, and got out of the first in twelve pitches. Harvey, however, rebounded after a tough first inning, in which he allowed a leadoff double and a hit batter. He pitched two shutout innings, with one hit, and three strikeouts.
Kershaw, Corbin, Lee, Fernandez, Chapman, Kimbrel, and Grilli each pitched one inning following Harvey's start, while Sale, Hernandez, Moore, Balfour, Holland, Cecil, Delabar, Rivera, and Nathan got the nod after Scherzer's start.
To supply the three runs of offense for the American League, Jose Bautista hit a sac fly, J.J. Hardy grounded into a RBI forceout, and Jason Kipnis hit a RBI ground-rule double.
Fittingly, the fans chose Mo to win the Most Valuable Player award for the All Star Game. He has a career 0.00 ERA, over nine innings of All Star work. He became the first pitcher since Pedro Martinez to win All Star MVP in 1999.
As we continue to say farewell to Mo, he continues to add to his resumé in baseball, as he will always be remembered as the greatest closer ever. He's clutch, he performs, and he has pitched his way into the baseball record book.
AL 3, NL 0.
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