AL Bests NL 5-3 Behind Durran’s Two-Run Homer in All-Star Game

The 94th annual Mid-Summer Classic at Globe Life Field, home of the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers, did not disappoint. Backed by a big home run by Jarren Duran, the AL secured a 5-3 victory, marking their 10th win in the last 11 MLB All-Star games.

The game featured plenty of action both at the plate and on the mound. A’s rookie Mason Miller earned the win, while Emmanuel Clase recorded the save in the star-heavy event.

In what has been described as the “season of surprise All-Stars,” Boston’s Jarren Duran earned the Ted Williams MVP honor. He was the only the ninth Red Sox player with multiple RBIs in an All-Star Game and the first since J.D. Drew in 2008, per Red Sox Nation Stats. Duran also became just the third Boston player to homer in ASG debut, joining J.D. Drew and David Ortiz (2004) according to Sarah Langs. He is the fifth Red Sox player to win All-Star Game MVP.

Pirates’ rookie Paul Skenes at just 22 years old got the start for the National League, making a strong impression with multiple 100+ mph pitches in the first inning. He is only the third pitcher to do that in the pitch-tracking era since 2008 along with Chris Sale (2018) and Justin Verlander (2012), per Langs. 

Corbin Burnes started on the mound for the American League, making his fourth consecutive All-Star game appearance and his first for the AL after tenure with the Brewers.

The NL opened the scoring when Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run homer in the third inning off of Tanner Houck, driving in Jurickson Profar and Ketel Marte. The AL quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning, though, scoring three runs off Logan Webb. Marcus Semien singled, Steven Kwan walked, and Juan Soto knocked in a two-run double. David Fry then hit a base hit to even the score.

The AL took the lead in the fifth inning with Duran’s two-run homer off of Hunter Greene, who took the loss, scoring Baltimore’s Anthony Santander to seal the 5-3 final.

For the NL, Skenes, Max Fried, Shota Imanaga, and Robert Suarez each tossed a scoreless inning. Christopher Sanchez, Reynaldo Lopez, Matt Strahm, Tanner Scott, and Jeff Hoffman also blanked their AL opponents.

For the AL, Burnes, Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet, Mason Miller, Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Kirby Yates, and Emmanuel Clase each pitched a scoreless inning. 

Former Met Seth Lugo made his first All-Star game appearance, adding a strikeout, while Pete Alonso, representing Queens, made his third consecutive All-Star game appearance. He struck out in his lone plate appearance.

Stat of the Game

The American League has won 22 of the last 26 All-Star Games.

Up Next

The Mets—and most of MLB—get back to action on Friday, July 19. (The Brewers and Twins don’t get going ’til Saturday!) The Mets will open in Miami for a four-game set with the Marlins.

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