About Last Night: AL 5, NL 3

About Last Night: AL 5, NL 3

By Derek McAdam

July 17, 2024

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In this special edition of recapping the previous night’s game, we take a look at how the 2024 MLB All-Star Game panned out, with the American League winning the game 5-3 over the National League.

Quick Stats: W: Mason Miller

                     L: Hunter Greene

                     S: Emmanuel Clase

Home Runs - NL: Shohei Ohtani AL: Jarren Duran

The Big Story: One of the big headlines coming into the All-Star Game was the potential of Aaron Judge facing NL starter Paul Skenes in the 1st. Juan Soto promised that he would allow Judge to face the phenom rookie, and he delivered on that promise. However, Judge grounded out on the first pitch to end the inning.

The NL got on the board first, when Ohtani sent a three-run home run off Tanner Houck into the right field seats in the 3rd. However, in the bottom of the inning, Soto hit a two-run double to cut the NL’s lead to 3-2. After Judge grounded out, pinch hitter David Fry sent an RBI single into left field to score Soto and tie the game at 3.

In the 5th, the AL took the lead after Duran hit a two-run home run off  Greene, giving the AL its first lead of the night and making the new score 5-3.

The remainder of the game didn’t feature many scoring opportunities for either team, as both managers were turning to multiple pitchers per inning to allow them an appearance in the game.

Clase, not Clay Holmes, came on to close out the game for the AL and try to record an All-Star game save. Clase struck out Pete Alonso and got Elly de la Cruz to ground out before allowing Jackson Merrill to reach base on a little squib hit right in front of the plate. However, Bryan Reynolds then struck out to end the game and give the AL a win, their 10th of the last 11 games.

Player of the Game: Even though he is a Boston Red Sox player, Duran’s home run was the ultimate game-changer for the AL, and it was a no-doubter. This kid has a bright future ahead of him, and the Red Sox are definitely lucky to have him.

Notable Performances: Soto had a couple of nice at-bats for the AL, while Ohtani’s home run was the source of the only runs the NL could push across the plate. Overall, both pitching staffs did very good and kept this game low-scoring.

Better to Forget: I don’t think any of these guys, regardless of how they performed, would want to forget this experience. Therefore, in a first for me, no one will receive this “honor” for last night’s game.

My Take: I have to admit… I haven’t watched a full All-Star game in several years. But I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the game. There wasn’t a ton of scoring action from either side, especially from the NL. However, it didn’t deter me away from the game.

One of the most crucial aspects about the MLB All-Star Game is that the players seem to be genuinely trying. The Pro Bowl and NBA and NHL All-Star Games are unwatchable, as defense isn’t played at all and the athletes are trying not to injure themselves in a meaningless game. And honestly, I understand putting in minimal effort for these events.

It’s not to say that baseball players are busting it out of the box during the All-Star game, but the pitchers are still throwing at a high velocity and trying to get outs. The hitters are still trying to reach base and drive in runs. The only thing that makes this different from a regular baseball game is that it’s a combination of the best players in the league showcasing their talents on one field.

With regards to the actual game, it was nice to see Soto knock in a couple of runs for the AL. What makes his two-run double even better is the fact that he hustled his way in for the double. It was a routine ground ball through the right-center field hole and he managed to get an extra base out of it. This would be crucial in the AL tying the game that same inning.

Pitching continued to be a strong spot for the AL in the All-Star game, and the best closer in baseball finished the game out. Overall, it was a fun experience that I definitely look forward to watching next year, regardless of how many Yankees participate in the game.

What’s Next?: Regarding the New York Yankees, they will enjoy a couple of off-days before resuming the “second-half” of the season on Friday. The Tampa Bay Rays will come to Yankee Stadium for a four-game series in the Bronx, with Friday night’s game scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. While it is currently unknown who will start, I project Gerrit Cole will start Friday night's game, but we may find out soon who it actually will be.