Summer Classic

The National League used their arms and bats to show the American League they still got it even without Fielder and Pujols. Now the All-Star game seemed to be a Giants showdown. The National League bats got to Verlander early with Cabrera, Braun, and Sandoval coming through with clutch hits. Lots of doubt was put on Sandoval being the starter at third but his 3 run triple was a big piece to the National Leagues victory as they brought home the 8-0 win. Melky Cabrera came through with some good hits in his old ballpark, including a homerun in the sixth, leading to him receiving the MVP award. They put together three triples and had two solid hits from Brewers Ryan Braun as well. What really gave the National League their win was the amazing pitching performance from their great arms. From Cain, who got the win after a couple shutout innings to Kershaw and Dickey, the National League blanked the big bats of the American League surprising many with the sixth National League shutout in baseball history. Chipper Jones got a single into right field in possibly his last All-Star game and though Byrce Harper may have missed a ball in left field, he made his appearance being the youngest position player in history to be out there on the Summer Classic.  Mike Trout got an nice hit for the American League making him a new youngster on the list when it comes to the youngest batters getting a hit in the All-Star game. The National League won with their dominance on the mound and good swings at the plate. The Giants had four starters out there on the field and they came though with the Cain win and Melky hitting. The National League wins home field advantage yet again, and it has definitely paid off for them over the past two years.

The Homerun Derby was some good entertainment as Prince Fielder took it home for the second time in his career, joining Ken Griffey Jr. as the only other player to do so. But Fielder is the first to do so representing both Leagues. Fielder had a bit of a rough opening with only five balls over the wall, but he lucked out with the Kansas City fans booing Cano all the way til he put a zero on the board. In my opinion Cano deserved the booing, especially if he wont congratulate his former teammate for blasting a long ball in the All-Star game. Jose Bautista blasted eleven in the first round and went into the final against Fielder. I was surprised that the captains for this derby only combined for one homerun as many were putting their money on one of the two of them taking it home. It is no doubt though that Cano picked the right guys to compete as Trumbo, Bautista, and Fielder were the top three hitters. Congratulations to Fielder as he gets to be the Captain next year for the American League and hopefully his win is the kind of boost the Tigers are looking for in the second half of the season, especially after Verlanders poor performance today.