SEATTLE — It’s American League vs. National League, MLB’s showcase of the brightest stars of the summer game. The NL champs try to snap a nine-year losing streak against their AL counterparts on Tuesday in Seattle. But really, we’re here to see all of baseball’s greatest players in one show.
Among the names to watch out for is Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks, a rookie and an NL MVP candidate who will make his All-Star debut in his hometown. And, of course, two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, who lights up the scoreboard in seemingly everything.
After Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won Monday’s home run derby, and following epic first-round performances from Julio Rodriguez and Adley Rutchman, we’re expecting plenty more fireworks in the 93rd MLB All-Star Game.
Stay tuned for updates, reactions and highlights from T-Mobile Park.
Second innings: AL 1, NL 0
J.T. Martinez led off the second inning with a run off Nathan Ewaldi, who came in for the AL, and advanced two batters in the second on a single by Luis Ares. But that was as far as they got, as Ewald quickly struck out the next two batters.
In the bottom of the second, Yandy Diaz put the American League on the board first with a solo home run off NL pitcher Mitch Keller.
First Innings: 0-0
Ronald Acuna Jr. and Freddie Freeman both hit deep fly balls off AL starter Gerrit Cole, only to be missed by outfielders Adolis Garcia and Randy Arosarena.
HK: Very quickly we had an explanation for why the All-Star break should feature skills competitions – specifically, defensive skills competitions.
As the second baseman for the AL, Shohei Ohtani was immediately greeted with chants of “Come to Seattle” from the packed T-Mobile Park crowd. Ohtani hits against NL starter Jack Galen, but the sentiment stands.
HK: Did they plan this? What a remarkable combination – with such a clear accent – in his first innings.
The first hit of the night belonged to Randy Arosarena, who hit a single into left field before being caught stealing.
Cole said after his start: “A lot of adrenaline for a bullpen day.”
