Late in Tuesday night’s MLB All-Star Game, it seemed as though the American League was on its way to its 10th consecutive victory in the Midsummer Classic, with a 2–1 lead in the eighth inning. But Rockies catcher Elías Díaz had other plans.
Díaz crushed a two-run, go-ahead homer off of Orioles closer Félix Bautista, delivering in the clutch and boosting the NL to its first All-Star Game victory since 2012. It was the 32-year-old’s first plate appearance of the game in what was his first career All-Star appearance, and he became the first Rockie to be named All-Star Game MVP as a result.
Phillies closer Craig Kimbrel issued two walks in the ninth inning to put the tying and winning runs on base, but struck out Guardians third baseman José Ramírez to seal the win for the NL.
ELIAS DIAZ. GONE ‼️
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 12, 2023
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/fs5EMgr7b1
The AL jumped out to a 1–0 lead on a solo home run in the second inning by Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz. The NL tied the game in the fourth on an RBI single by Marlins second baseman Luis Arraez that scored Dodgers designated hitter J.D. Martinez. with the AL reclaiming the lead in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette.
The AL has been dominant in recent All-Star Game history beyond the nine-game winning streak. Prior to Tuesday, the AL had won 21 of the previous 25 All-Star Games, with one infamous tie (2002) and a three-game winning streak by the NL from ’10 to ’12 being the only respite from the junior circuit’s dominance.
