The MLB All-Star festivities are officially in the books.
One of the biggest storylines to come from Arlington had nothing to do with actual baseball. Prior to Monday night’s Home Run Derby, we were exposed to one of the worst National Anthem renditions in history.
Of course, we later found out that the singer – Ingrid Andress – was drunk when she performed … She apologized for bombing such a golden opportunity and admitted that she’s checking herself into rehab.
All the best to her.
Thankfully, country superstar Cody Johnson made up for it all with his phenomenal rendition of the National Anthem prior to last night’s All-Star Game…
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie phenom Paul Skenes more than lived up to the hype with his dominant showing in the game.
At the rate he’s currently at, it won’t be too long before he’s universally regarded as the best pitcher in all of baseball.
It makes you wonder just how long will he stay in Pittsburgh?
It’s the last thing Pirates fans want to think about, but can’t you envision Skenes one day wearing the pinstripes???
Meanwhile, Boston’s Jarren Duran, known for his humility and hard work, made a lasting impression at his inaugural All-Star Game.
The speedy outfielder, who prides himself on keeping his head down and not considering himself superior to others, hit a game-changing two-run homer, which helped secure a 5-3 victory for the American League.
Duran’s fifth-inning homer not only broke the tie but also earned him the prestigious MVP award named after Red Sox legend Ted Williams.
“It’s an honor,” Duran said. “Who else would I want to follow besides a guy like that, who was not just a great baseball player but a great human being. I’m honored to have his award.”
The AL’s win marked their 10th in the last 11 All-Star Games.
Skenes threw a hitless first inning, hitting 100 mph twice. The NL ultimately struck first when Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run homer in the third inning.
However, the AL quickly responded.
Yankees slugger Juan Soto’s two-run double followed by David Fry’s single tied the game in the bottom of the third.
Duran’s homer off Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene put the AL ahead for good.
“It’s a surreal moment. I’m just thankful to be here,” the humble Duran said.
Oakland’s Mason Miller earned the win, setting a record with a 103.6 mph pitch – the fastest ever recorded in an All-Star Game.
Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase secured the save by striking out two in the ninth inning.
Skenes, the 22-year-old rookie and last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick, made history by becoming the first rookie starter since 1995.
Despite only 11 big league games under his belt, Skenes delivered a hitless first inning. “Frankly, I wish I’d had a few more pitches to do that today,” he said after the game.
Ohtani, with 29 home runs this season, hit his first All-Star homer, a 400-foot drive off Boston’s Tanner Houck.
“I haven’t really hit well in the All-Star Game, so I’m just relieved that I put the ball in play,” Ohtani said, pleased with his performance.
The AL’s victory was sealed in the fifth inning when Duran, after replacing Aaron Judge in center field, hit a 413-foot homer.
“I was just praying he would throw me a first pitch fastball,” Duran explained. “He happened to leave a pitch up, and I put a good swing on it.”
This win adds to the AL’s 48-44-2 record in All-Star Games.
The last Red Sox player to be named All-Star MVP was J.D. Drew in 2008.
Duran’s selection as an All-Star was well-deserved and he’s quickly become a fan-favorite in Boston.
AL starter Corbin Burnes arrived just in time for the game after spending time with his newborn twin daughters.
He pitched a solid inning, ending with a smile and a warm moment with his former catcher, William Contreras.
Now, about those WAGs…
Do you think the Skenes/Dunne combo is officially the new “power couple” in Major League Baseball?
Are they the new Verlander/Upton? … Perhaps even bigger and better???
On a more serious note, what are your thoughts on the second-half of the season? … How do you see everything playing out?
Who do you think will win the World Series???