The National League ended their long losing streak in the All-Star Game with a 3-2 victory over the American League. The game took place in Seattle, and it was the NL’s first win in the All-Star Game since 2012. Elias Díaz, a catcher from the Colorado Rockies, hit a crucial two-run homer in the eighth inning off Félix Bautista of the Baltimore Orioles, securing the win for the NL. Díaz became the first Rockies player to win the All-Star Game MVP award.
The game was characterized by strong pitching performances and impressive defense. Craig Kimbrel, the closer for the Philadelphia Phillies, faced a tense situation in the ninth inning but managed to strike out José Ramírez to secure the victory for the NL.
Yandy Díaz hit a solo homer for the AL in the second inning, while Bo Bichette’s sacrifice fly gave them a 2-1 lead in the sixth. J.D. Martinez scored on Luis Arraez’s single in the fourth to tie the game at 1.
The All-Star Game marked the return of the event to Seattle since 2001, when the Mariners had a memorable season with 116 wins. Pitching was the highlight of the game, with only nine balls hit over 100 mph and a total of 20 strikeouts. The crowd showed great enthusiasm, particularly for Shohei Ohtani, who received chants urging him to join the Seattle team during his plate appearances.
In terms of injuries, Toronto reliever Jordan Romano left the game in the seventh inning due to back tightness, and Chicago White Sox slugger Luis Robert Jr. did not play due to calf tightness.
During pregame introductions, the Tampa Bay duo of Shane McClanahan and Wander Franco was accidentally skipped over, but they later entered the field on their own.
The All-Star Game also honored members of the Seattle Mariners’ 2001 All-Star team, including John Olerud, Bret Boone, Edgar Martinez, and manager Lou Piniella.
Following the All-Star break, the regular season resumed with all teams in action. The first game after the break was scheduled between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies. The second half of the season began with the Atlanta Braves leading the NL East and the Tampa Bay Rays leading the American League.
