The American League lost the MLB All-Star Game in Anaheim Tuesday night for the first time in 14 years, but it's safe to say that a member of the Boston Red Sox was involved in the most exciting play of the match-up. Unfortunately, it was the game-changing play that ensured the National League victory.
Three members of the Red Sox' roster saw time in the Midsummer Classic, but the AL side didn't gather enough offensive consistency to earn what would have been their eighth consecutive All-Star Game victory.
Boston's ace, Jon Lester, came in to replace Detroit's Justin Verlander to pitch the sixth inning, and despite the brief appearance — typical of any All-Star Game — he got the job done. In the three batters he faced, Lester forced two ground outs and one pop-out to end the inning in a swift manner.
David Ortiz also entered the game in the sixth, pinch hitting for Vladimir Guerrero with two outs on the board. With the Home Run Derby winner at the plate, the NL called for a pitching change and brought in Nationals' reliever Matt Capps. Big Papi couldn't repeat his Monday night heroics in the at-bat, however, and struck out looking.
His second appearance had a different outcome, as Ortiz singled into right field off Dodgers' closer Jonathan Broxton to open the bottom of the ninth. Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre followed his teammate, but was fanned by a high, 99-mph fastball to register the first out of the inning, leaving the game as quickly as he came in.
Marlon Byrd's outstanding play in the outfield caught Big Papi out at second as John Buck blooped one into shallow right during the following at-bat. Ortiz held up in the basepath thinking Byrd was going to make the catch, and had to pick up the pace once the ball dropped in. Byrd spun quickly and fired a throw to catch Ortiz sliding into second for out number two. After that play, Broxton forced Ian Kinsler to fly out to center to capture the save and the NL victory.
Other Red Sox All-Star picks were present but unable to participate due to injury. Dustin Pedroia was spotted on crutches during pregame, while Clay Buchholz and Victor Martinez were giving support from the dugout during the game.
Capps earned the win for the NL in his All-Star Game debut, while Yankees' righty Phil Hughes took the loss for the AL. It was also his first All-Star appearance.
