The American League’s Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox goes yard for a bottom of the fifth inning home run against the National League at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Tue Jul 16, 2024 (AP News photo)
By Michael Roberson
ARLINGTON, Tex. — The American League overcame a three-run deficit, to capture the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, 5-3 over the visiting National League in Metropolitan Dallas.
Despite triple-digit temperatures, a full house (39,342) witnessed a great Mid-Summer Classic inside a cozy Globe Life Field with the roof thankfully closed. Boston Red Sox center fielder Jarren Duran earned the game’s MVP award, on the merits of his eventual game-winning two run homer in the bottom of the fifth inning.
The first pitch was recorded at 7:19 pm CST, and the temperature at a cooler 99 degrees. The game opened with the ever so popular Shohei Ohtani taking first base on a walk, and Bryce Harper belting a double. However, the inning ended without a run to show for it.
In the top of the third inning, Ohtani was up again, with two men on base, To the delight of the National League fans, he blasted a three-run homer to right-center. The NL was up 3-0, and seemingly in control, That did not last long.
In the bottom of the frame, the AL came roaring back immediately.New York Yankees Juan Soto sliced a two-run double to center field, bringing his squad to within one. Next, David Fry knocked him in from second, with a liner to left field.. The game was tied 3-3 within a half inning.
In the bottom of the fifth, Duran (Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player) broke the tie and essentially won the game on his two run homer a little over the midway point of the game. How apropos that he would win the award named after a legendary Red Sox player, and only the fifth in franchise history.
Obviously there was no more scoring the last four innings of the game, but there were a few elements left in the contest. The ASG only lasted 2:28, which is the shortest time since 1998 (2:26).
On a local note, San Francisco Giants center fielder Heliot Ramos came into the game in the top of the 8th inning. He struck out swinging in his lone at bat. Ironically, his cross-Bay neighbor, Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller got credit for the AL win. His perfect fifth inning did it for him, and throwing 8 pitches clocking at 100 mph. The save went to Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase.
The American League closed out an exciting, although HOT, All-Star Week with a two run victory, 5-3 in the Rangers’ house.
Next year the festivities will remain in the South: However, it will be in a National League locale in the Peach State, Atlanta in particular. They will have a lot to live up to.
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