While prolific offensive production, particularly by the long ball, was the story of the first half of the season, the 2017 MLB All-Star Game was dominated by pitching through four innings. That’s not to say there weren’t opportunities early.
American League and National League All-Stars combined for 11 baserunners (eight hits; three walks) through the first four innings at Marlins Park on Tuesday night. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Wood was on the mound when the first run of the game scored.
Wood retired the first two batters faced before Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jonathon Schoop got a double by a diving attempt from Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Washington Nationals teammates Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy and Ryan Zimmerman then allowed a blooper by Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano to drop in right field for an RBI single.
Wood, who went 10-0 during the first half of the season, avoided taking the loss as St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina hit a game-tying home run in the sixth. Wood did not factor into the decision.
The All-Star Game went into extra innings for the first time since 2008, though that was short lived. Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano took Chicago Cubs closer Wade Davis deep for a go-ahead home run in the 10th inning.
The NL team managed to bring the winning run to the plate in Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger. He homered off Cleveland Indians closer Andrew Miller during a series at Progressive Field in June, but Bellinger this time struck out.
With a 2-1 victory the AL extended their All-Star Game winning streak to five games.
