National League Whips American League In All-Star Game
If the Texas Rangers get a chance to play in the World Series, they will have to play as the away team for the third year in a row.
The Rangers-lead American League was shutdown by the National League 8-0 in an All-Star game that was dominated after the first inning. This is only the eighth All-Star game that resulted in a shutout, with the National League being responsible for shutting out six of the eight games.
The National League got off to a hot start as they were able to score five runs in the first inning off of AL pitcher Justin Verlander. He pitched one inning and gave up 5 runs and 4 hits.
“Obviously you don’t want to go out like that, but hey, I had fun,” Verlander said. “That’s why I don’t try to throw 100 [mph] in the first inning. Doesn’t usually work out too well for me.”
The NL continued to show its dominance scoring three more runs in the fourth inning sealing the game with a Melky Cabrera home run that sent in the final two runs. Cabrera was named the All-Star MVP and finished the night with two hits, two runs and two RBI’s.
“I didn’t come to win an MVP. That’s just a surprise. It’s a great gift that the Lord gave me,” Cabrera said. “But the same opportunity that Kansas City gave me last year is the same opportunity that San Francisco is giving me every day to showcase my talent. Again, I’m just very thankful for the fans that voted for me to come here.”
The National League now have the home-field advantage in the World Series and will look to use that to their advantage like they have the previous two years. The second half of the MLB season begins on Friday.
