The American League claimed victory over the National League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, with Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran earning the game MVP title for his game-winning two-run homer in the fifth inning. The AL pitchers, excluding Tanner Houck, put on a stellar performance by throwing eight scoreless innings to secure the win.
The game started off with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes impressively retiring New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge in just one pitch. Shohei Ohtani, a standout player in the game, kicked off the scoring with a three-run homer in the third inning. However, the American League quickly responded by scoring three runs of their own in the same inning, thanks to Juan Soto’s two-run double and David Fry’s RBI single.
The momentum continued for the American League in the fifth inning when Jarren Duran smashed a two-run homer off Hunter Greene. Even though some big hitters like Riley Greene and Corey Seager had loud outs earlier in the inning, Duran’s home run proved to be the difference-maker. The power of the American League was further highlighted by Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller, who threw a 104 mph fastball during his dominant inning.
The AL bullpen, consisting of Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Kirby Yates, and Emmanuel Clase, efficiently closed out the game, with Clase securing the save by striking out Bryan Reynolds with the tying run at the plate. Despite an early lead by the National League, the American League’s strong offense and pitching ultimately led them to victory.
The 2024 MLB All-Star Game showcased the talent and competitiveness of the players from both leagues, with memorable performances from stars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Jarren Duran. The game provided fans with exciting moments and highlights, demonstrating why the All-Star Game is a beloved tradition in baseball.