It was the 84th All-Star Game, and it lived up to its billing. The American League, typically known for its power hitting, put on a pitching display as they held the National League to only two hits. You have to respect Jim Leyland's approach in playing to win this game.
However, as much as it was about the best baseball players in both leagues playing it out, in the end, it was Mariano Rivera’s night. With a 3-0 lead, and with the crowd and the players in both dugouts giving him a 2-minute standing ovation, Mo came into the game for his final All-Star appearance. He threw 16 pitches, and retired the side in order. While it was a little disappointing that he did not finish the game, we understand Jim Leyland's decision to bring him in for the eighth, rather than risking a National League comeback and not having Rivera in the game at all. It was a great show of respect and admiration for Rivera, who was rewarded after the game with MVP honors and a Corvette!
As if the Yankees' luck could not get worse, in the top of the first, Robinson Cano took a Matt Harvey fastball to the back of the leg. Our collective hearts stopped as he limped, then bent over, then left the game one batter later. Thankfully, he said that he feels okay and that he would be able to play once the second half starts. Harvey, to his credit, apologized on the field and in an Erin Andrews interview later in the game. Check back here on BYB for updates on his condition.
In the end, it was a winning night for the American League, to the tune of 3-0. We are thankful to Jim Leyland for guaranteeing that the Yankees ... I mean, the American League, will have home field advantage in the World Series.
Final again: American League 3 - National League 0.
--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon
My blog is: Shots from Murderer's Row
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