AL Takes Home Field Advantage After All Star Win

After Monday night’s explosive Home Run Derby, people are expecting the same at the MLB All Star Game. The stars aligned Tuesday night as baseballs youngest stars, and Albert Pujols, put on their All Star hats to represent their respective teams.

Past All Star games brought in larger than life figures such as David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez, and Derek Jeter. With Jeters retirement, Ortiz’s mediocre season and A-Rod’s All Star snub, fans were treated to show of true up and coming All Stars. Players Mike Trout, Zack Greinke, Dallas Keuchel, and Bryce Harper were a few of the many bright pieces at this year’s Midsummer Classic. It was no surprise, Los Angeles Angels star, Mike Trout brought his A game to lead the American League to a final score of 6 – 3 .

Trout started with a lead off home run in the first inning and finished with two runs scored. During the first four innings the game started to look like it might be a game of pitchers with the score coming to a halt at 1 – 1.

The bats didn’t come alive till the fifth inning courtesy of Texas Rangers – Prince Fielder. The 11-year veteran singled to bring Mike Trout for the score which also brought Albert Pujols to second. This lead to a double by KC Royals – Lorenzo Cain, allowing Pujols to score and sending Fielder to third. These fortunate series of events extended the AL’s lead to 3 -1.

The National League answered back with a home run by the Pirates – Andrew McCutchen, cutting the lead to one. But the American League looked determined to come out of Cincinnati with the win. Baltimore Orioles – Manny Machado doubled deep to right center bringing in Bo Sox – Brock Holt to score. This led to a sacrifice fly by Fielder to bring it Machado for another run. The true exclamation point was Minnesota Twins – Brian Dozier’s home run in the eighth inning, which brought the score to 6 – 2.

The NL’s final push in the ninth wasn’t enough and the score ended with 6 – 3  AL victory. With the MVP of the game going to Mike Trout.

There’s more to the MLB All Star Game compared to other sports. For every All Star Game, the winner gets home field advantage in the World Series. This rule was established in 2003, after the 2002 All Star Game lead to a tie in the 11th inning.

Kudos to the American League for the impressive win!

Kudos also to Pete Rose! The local Cincinnati Reds legend, who after years of being banned by the MLB for betting on games, finally stepped on to a major league baseball in his hometown. Fans stood in applause as the MLB introduce the legend. The moment couldn’t help but overshadow the game that was about to take place.