The American League’s nine-game winning streak in the MLB All-Star Game was wiped out last year when it was finally snapped by the National League.
But a game-winning, two-run homer off the bat of first-time Boston Red Sox All-Star Jarren Duran might have started a new winning streak Tuesday night at Globe Life Field as the American League beat the National League, 5-3.
Facing Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene, Duran hit a 95 mph fastball 413 feet over the right-center field fence and down the middle of home plate to break a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the fifth inning.
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New York Yankees player Juan Soto, wearing number 22, reacts after hitting a double in the third inning against the National League during the 94th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Globe Life Field on July 16, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Stacey Revere/Getty Images)
While it may have been Duran’s only hit in his two at-bats of the night, it was the deciding hit that gave the American League the win and earned the young outfielder the All-Star Game MVP award.
Duran has been generating quite a bit of buzz since coming out of Boston this year, leading the league in doubles (27) and triples (10) while also racking up 10 home runs and 41 RBIs in 95 games. He has been open about battling mental health issues in the past, when he flourished in the major leagues but didn’t perform as well as expected, but now he is clearly making the best of his situation.
He wasn’t the only first-time All-Star in action in Texas on Tuesday night. Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes took the mound in the first inning as the National League starter, showcasing his impressive arsenal for all to see.
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Skenes, who had a 1.90 ERA in 11 starts at the All-Star break since being promoted in May, retired the first two batters he faced before walking New York Yankees star Juan Soto, paving the way for the much-anticipated matchup.
Aaron Judge came up to bat to face Skenes but swung at the first pitch, a 100 mph fastball, and rolled it to third baseman Alec Bohm, who threw to second base to end the inning.
Skenes pitched one inning, allowing no hits and no runs, which was everything he’d hoped for at this surreal start to his career.
Shohei Ohtani, wearing number 17 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, reacts after hitting a three-run home run in the top of the third inning during the 94th MLB All-Star Game presented by MasterCard at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on July 16, 2024. (Jean Wang/Getty Images)
While the first-timers were soaking up the moment, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers broke a scoreless tie in the third inning with a massive 400-foot home run over the head of Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Hack and into right field, proving to everyone why he’s an All-Star and MVP every year.
The Japanese superstar was all smiles as he rounded third base, having put his National League colleagues in prime position to defend their title.
But Giants starter Logan Webb gave up the lead in the next inning when Marcus Semien singled and Steven Kwan walked, then Soto hit a double to center field to tie the game at 3-2.
Then David Fry, a surprise All-Star for the Cleveland Guardians who is off to a hot start to the 2024 season, singled to left field, sending Soto home to tie the game.
The pitching was solid until Duran hit a home run off Green, and the AL hung on until the end. Guardians closer Emanuel Klass came in to pitch for the save in the top of the ninth, allowing one hit but striking out two of the batters he faced to close out the game in Arlington.
Jarren Duran, wearing number 16 for the Boston Red Sox, rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the National League during the 94th MLB All-Star Game presented by MasterCard at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on July 16, 2024. (Jean Wang/Getty Images)
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With MLB All-Star Weekend over, players will return to their respective cities and begin preparing for the second half of the regular season, which resumes on Friday.
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