He got Michael Cuddyer to fly out to right and then Paul Konerko to ground out to short.
For the second consecutive year, the National League have won the All-Star Game, meaning whoever represents the league in the Fall Classic will possess home-field advantage. Do I agree? Nope. But I don't make the rules.
Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals, who actually gave up a hit to the only batter he faced, picks up the win. He gave up a single to Adrian Beltre back in the fourth inning, but Hunter Pence nailed Jose Bautista at the plate to retire the side. Prince Fielder then put the NL on top for good with a three-run homer in the bottom half of the inning.
Fielder was awarded the game's MVP award for his fourth-inning blast, marking the first time that a Brewer has earned the honor.
For the award, Fielder received a crystal bat, which his son looked like he was ready to take a few cuts with before they even left the field.
But that'll do it for this year's Midsummer Classic. On Friday, it'll be back to the real deal.
11:25 p.m.: Joel Hanrahan struck out Michael Young swinging to begin the ninth, but a Starlin Castro error derailed his chance to finish the game.
After the error, which allowed Quentin to reach, Matt Joyce recorded a base hit.
Following some Little League-style throwing of the ball around the infield, Brian Wilson is coming in.
End 8th, 5-1: Alexi Ogando, who's been a great pickup in fantasy baseball for yours truly, came on to record the first two outs of the eighth, before handing the ball to Oakland's Gio Gonzalez.
Ogando retired Andrew McCutchen on a soft ground out back to the mound and then Joey Votto via a ground out to third.
Gonzalez faced Cincinnati's Jay Bruce, who pinch-hit for Yadier Molina. He struck him out on a 95-mph fastball to end the inning.
Pittsburgh Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan will come on to try to end this game.
Mid 8th, 5-1: Bell retired Peralta on a pop up to second base to end the inning.
Before the Padres closer's 300-foot sprint to the mound, Jonny Venters retired Matt Wieters on a ground out and Jacoby Ellsbury by way of the K.
Venters' appearance marked the third straight Braves pitcher used by Bruce Bochy.
It's also worth mentioning that Heath Bell is a reliever who could become available before the July 31 trade deadline. He also said that he'd be willing to become a setup man for a contending team.
According to Dwight Gooden's Twitter account, though, Bell needs to step up his game when it comes to sliding.
11:01 p.m.: Well, Heath Bell's certainly making the most of his time in Phoenix. Shortly after mingling with some youngsters near the NL dugout, he came running in from the bullpen in the eighth.
Upon arriving at the mound, Bell went into a textbook pop-up slide. Considering the two injuries already tonight, it was a bit of a roll of the dice on Bell's part. But he seems to be alright and ready to face Jhonny Peralta.
End 7th, NL 5-1: A Pablo Sandoval RBI double has extended the National League lead to 5-1.
Hunter Pence singled to begin the inning. After League struck out Castro, Sandoval ripped a ground-rule double down the left-field line.
Neither Brandon Phillips or Gaby Sanchez could push Sandoval across, though, so the NL could only throw one extra run up on the board in the inning.
10:48 p.m.: Miguel Cabrera reportedly left the game due to an injury. It's believed to be a strained left side, but I'll keep you posted.
It's always unfortunate when a player gets hurt in an All-Star Game and it's happened twice tonight. First, Josh Beckett tweaked his knee in the bullpen, and now Cabrera goes down.
Mid 7th, NL 4-1: It's seventh-inning stretch time at Chase Field. And in your living room. And at my computer. Hold up for a second.
…OK, let's finish this game out.
Before we move on, though, how about a little recap of the top half of the inning? Allow me to do the honors.
Carlos Quentin popped out to Joey Votto at first to begin things. Matt Joyce then grounded out to short.
Jair Jurrjens looked poised to complete his second inning of work, but Kevin Youkilis, in his first AB, laced a single into left field and Paul Konerko, batting for David Ortiz, worked a walk. That marked the end of Jurrjens' night.
Craig Kimbrel, who set the record for most first-half saves by a rookie, came on to get the first batter he faced, Howie Kendrick, on a ground out to second base.
Andrew McCutchen replaced center fielder Matt Kemp prior to the start of the inning, essentially crushing my pregame Matt Kemp for All-Star Game MVP dreams.
Seattle Mariners closer Brandon League will come on for the bottom of the seventh, as the NL looks to extend its three-run lead.
Other substitutions:
Michael Cuddyer replaces Kevin Youkilis. He will bat sixth and place first base. Michael Young replaces Miguel Cabrera. He will bat third and play third base.
10:32 p.m.: This game is moving along pretty quickly. To put it into context, it would probably be the second inning of a Red Sox-Yankees game right now.
End 6th, NL 4-1: Chris Perez took over on the mound in the bottom of the sixth.
Matt Kemp, who reached his first two times up, flew out to the new right fielder Carlos Quentin for the first out.
Joey Votto then chased a 93-mph fastball upstairs for the second out.
Yadier Molina, a former battery mate of Perez, roped a line-drive double off the left field wall, but he wouldn't advance beyond that point. Justin Upton flew out to left to end the inning.
Prior to the inning, Carlos Quentin, Matt Joyce and Matt Wieters replaced Bautista, Hamilton and Avila in right field, left field and at catcher, respectively.
Mid 6th, NL 4-1: A lot of defensive changes again in the top of the sixth. But before we get to those, here's what happened over the course of the 1-2-3 frame by the Braves' Jair Jurrjens, who many argued could have started the game.
Jacoby Ellsbury struck out swinging in his first at-bat since taking over for Granderson at the top of the order. Jhonny Peralta then flew out to Justin Upton in right, and Miguel Cabrera grounded out to second base to end the inning.
Now, for the head-spinning onslaught of substitutions by the National League: Brandon Phillips replaced second baseman Rickie Weeks, and Pablo Sandoval entered the game at third place for Rolen. Andre Ethier remains in the game as the DH and Starlin Castro stays in as the team's shortstop.
Stay tuned because the AL team should be making some adjustments prior to the start of the bottom of the sixth.
End 5th, NL 4-1: In the top of the fourth, Hunter Pence threw out Jose Bautista at the plate. In the bottom of the fifth, it was the AL that retired a runner at the dish.
Troy Tulowitzki singled into center and was subsequently lifted for a pinch-runner, Starlin Castro. With Scott Rolen batting, Castro swiped second.
Rolen then struck out, but with Rickie Weeks batting, Castro decided to go ahead and swipe third. Weeks ended up hitting a little nubber. Castro was off on contact and Walden made a terrific bare-handed play before firing it home for the out.
But the NL was able to push across a run in the inning behind an Andre Ethier RBI single.
With Weeks at first as a result of the fielder's choice, he stole second base, as the NL took advantage of Jordan Walden's slow move to the plate.
That would be big because Ethier, batting for Carlos Beltran, ripped one into right field. Weeks would score from second, and Ethier would be retired while trying to take second on the throw.
Also, some lineup changes worth noting from that inning: Jacoby Ellsbury took over for Curtis Granderson in center field. Jhonny Peralta took over for Asdrubal Cabrera at short. Miguel Cabrera took over at first base for Adrian Gonzalez. Howie Kendrick took over for Cano at second.
Mid 5th, NL 3-1: Clayton Kershaw took over for the NL in the top of the fifth, and the Dodgers hurler looked sharp.
He got David Ortiz to chase a pitch for the inning's first out. Robinson Cano and Alex Avila each grounded out to the new first baseman Joey Votto for the second and third out of the inning, respectively.
We've already seen some reserves, but we'll likely see a heavy dose here real soon. It looks like Jordan Walden, the Angels closer, will take over for C.J. Wilson, who is currently on the hook for the loss.
Interesting note: Fielder's home run was the first by a Brewer in All-Star Game history. The Arizona Diamondbacks, ironically, are now the only team to never have one of their players homer in an All-Star Game.
Could that mean we're set up for a storybook ending tonight? D-Backs catcher Miguel Montero, a late addition to the contest, is still on the bench.
End 4th, NL 3-1: There were no home runs hit in either of the last two All-Star Games, but there were two hit in the fourth inning at Chase Field.
Prince Fielder responded to Gonzalez's solo shot in the top half of the inning with a three-run blast of his own off the Rangers' C.J. Wilson.
Prior to the home run, Carlos Beltran hit a ground ball into the hole. Asdrubal Cabrera was able to knock it down, but that was all he could do and Beltran reached.
Matt Kemp then singled on a line drive to left field, putting runners at first and second before Fielder's bomb to left-center.
Justin Upton of the hometown Diamondbacks broke his bat, as Robinson Cano hauled in a line out. Hunter Pence, who gunned down Bautista at the plate in the top of the frame, struck out to end the inning.
Kevin Youkilis was in the game for the bottom of the fourth, as he took over at third base for Adrian Beltre.
Mid 4th, AL 1-0: Lee came back on for a second inning of work. The result: just as solid as his first inning — until Adrian Gonzalez stepped in, of course.
Gonzalez, who put on an offensive display at Monday night's Home Run Derby, lifted an 0-1 cutter into the seats in right for the game's first run.
Jose Bautista then blooped one down the right-field line that Fielder wasn't able to haul in over his shoulder.
The next batter, Josh Hamilton, ripped a single into center field, which spelled the end of Cliff Lee's night. It looked promising at first, with the Phillies lefty retiring the first five batters he faced, but Gonzo turned his night into a nightmare — something he has a tendency of doing to opposing pitchers.
Tyler Clippard of the Nationals took over and got ahead of Adrian Beltre 0-2 before the Rangers third baseman hit a frozen rope into left field. It looked like he might have given the AL a 2-0 lead, but Hunter Pence, just in the game, threw a strike to McCann to nail Bautista at the plate.
End 3rd, 0-0: 22-year-old Michael Pineda came on in the third inning as expected, and he showed why this isn't going to be the last All-Star Game he appears in.
Troy Tulowitzki got under one to center field that was hauled in. Pineda then struck out the next two batters, Scott Rolen and Rickie Weeks.
He retired both on four pitches, finishing each off with a nasty slider. The one to Weeks had the Brewers second baseman lunging at one in the dirt.
Mid 3rd, 0-0: One Phillie replaces another. Cliff Lee came on in the third to try to follow up Roy Halladay's perfect start. And he did just fine.
The first basemen have been busy thus far in this game. David Ortiz grounded out to Prince Fielder to begin the inning. Then, Robinson Cano was unable to harness some of that Home Run Derby magic, and he turned one over to Fielder for the inning's second out.
Cliff Lee really mixed his pitches well against Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila, eventually getting him to ground out to Troy Tulowitzki at short to end the inning.
End 2nd, 0-0: It's only the third inning, but Jose Bautista may have already made the play of the game. With David Robertson on for Weaver, Braves catcher Brian McCann lifted one toward the right-field corner. Bautista, on the run, slid into foul territory and hauled it in.
Lance Berkman followed up the terrific play with the game's first hit. But he would soon be retired as part of a strike-him-out, throw-him-out double play.
Matt Holliday was called out on strikes, and Alex Avila came up firing. Berkman was initially safe, but he overslid the bag and was called out after the tag was applied.
8:59 p.m.: Josh Beckett was slated to be the first reliever in for Ron Washington's AL squad, but that will no longer be the case. While warming up in the bullpen, Beckett felt something wasn't right and will not pitch.
Let's keep our fingers crossed that it's nothing serious and that Beckett was simply being cautious.
The right-hander was removed from his last start before the break due to a hyperextended knee, but he received medical clearance to pitch in the All-Star Game. Beckett's health, of course, is far more important to the Red Sox than it is to the AL team here tonight, though.
I'll keep you posted once more information is passed along, but it's for this reason that I was skeptical of Beckett pitching in the game in the first place.
Mid 2nd, 0-0: Roy Halladay looked good again in the second.
Jose Bautista flew out to center field on the first pitch he saw to begin the inning.
Scott Rolen made a nice sliding scoop while ranging to his left, then fired to first for the inning's second out. Adrian Beltre put together a nice seven-pitch at-bat and got a good piece of one to the opposite field, but right fielder Lance Berkman was able to track it down.
Halladay has pitched two perfect frames to begin the 82nd All-Star.
End 1st, 0-0: My MVP pick, Matt Kemp, started off with a bang! OK, maybe not. But he was the only baserunner that Weaver allowed in the bottom of the first.
Rickie Weeks grounded out to Adrian Gonzalez at first to begin the frame and Carlos Beltran struck out swinging before Kemp worked a walk.
He wouldn't go anywhere, though, as Weaver then got Prince Fielder to line out to Josh Hamilton in left field to end the inning.
The AL will send Jose Bautista, Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre to the plate in the second. If anyone reaches, we'll get our first taste of Big Papi this evening.
Mid 1st, 0-0: Roy Halladay made quick work of the American League in the first inning. See, I told you so.
But all gloating aside, it was a well-pitched inning by Halladay. He retired Curtis Granderson on the first pitch of the game via a lazy ground out to first.
The next batter, Asdrubal Cabrera struck out swinging on a changeup, before Adrian Gonzalez was retired via another ground out to Prince Fielder at first.
Halladay pitched a 1-2-3 first inning the last time he started an All-Star Game, which came for the American League in 2009, when he was still a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.
But he then went on to give up three runs on four hits in the second inning of that game, so stay tuned.
8:31 p.m.: Nothing says baseball like the Star Spangled Banner and a giant Old Glory.
Let's get this thing going!
8:25 p.m.: Prince Fielder once again catches some boos from those in attendance in Arizona. Monday's Home Run Derby winner Robinson Cano, meanwhile, got a nice ovation from the sold-out crowd.
I still can't believe Scott Rolen is the starting third baseman for the NL this year. Me and friend had discussed this the other day, but it's a bit of a blast from the past. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought his career was on the verge of completion after he really fell off the map from 2007 until 2010. It's definitely good to see him back, though.
I already shared my prediction. I'm going with the National League, 7-5, with Matt Kemp being named the MVP. But what do you all think?
Share your two cents in the comments below. I'm eager to know. Call me out for my prediction if you have to — no hard feelings, I swear.
8:11 p.m.: We're about set for the player introductions at Chase Field. I can't wait to see what kind of response Derek Jeter gets…Oh, wait.
Anyway, I think I should throw out a prediction at this time. These games are essentially a crap shoot year to year, but I'm going to go with the National League. I just feel like their pitching depth could serve them well as this game progresses.
I know the AL starting lineup is stacked, but I really feel like Roy Halladay should be able to keep the starters at bay throughout the first few innings.
A pitcher hasn't been named the All-Star Game MVP since Pedro's dominant performance back in '99, so I have a hard time going against conventional wisdom tonight.
Instead, as far as tonight's MVP, Matt Kemp stands out to me. He's a five-tool guy, so I feel like in some way or another, he could leave his imprint on this game. After all, one play gave Carl Crawford the MVP two years ago at Busch Stadium.
7:55 p.m.: Tuesday night's game will be the first time that a lot of NL players get to face Jered Weaver. Then again, considering how nasty he's been this season, it's not exactly something they should welcome with open arms.
Only four of the NL starters — Carlos Beltran, Matt Kemp, Matt Holliday and Scott Rolen — have faced Weaver in the past. Kemp has the most at-bats against him of those four, with 14.
More importantly, though, we're getting closer to some baseball.
7:36 p.m.: Well, good news. I wasn't lying to you in the headline. ESPN's Buster Olney reports that AL manager Ron Washington has his pitching situation for tonight somewhat figured out.
It looks like he's going to turn to Josh Beckett after Weaver's start. He's then reportedly going to follow up with C.J. Wilson of the Texas Rangers and Michael Pineda of the Seattle Mariners. This could all change, of course, but I'm going based off what I'm hearing here.
This brings up an interesting debate, though. I know Josh Beckett's hyperextended knee, which caused him to be removed from his last start, doesn't appear to be anything that will linger moving forward. Do you have any problem with him pitching tonight, though? I mean Jeter mailed it in, right?
7:26 p.m.: Back, did you miss me? Nah, of course you didn't. Tired of me answering my own questions? Of course you are. But how about that trivia answer?
If you guessed Barry Larkin, Larry Walker, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire and Jeff Bagwell (in no particular order, although that is the order), then I give you credit.
The final two outs were recorded when Jeff Bagwell struck out and Matt Williams was subsequently gunned down at second base on a failed hit-and-run attempt.
Fun Facts for ya, folks.
Also, just want to take a second (while Ted Williams is still on the mind) to direct you guys to NESN.com's 'Red Sox Showdown for the Ages,' which is a baseball simulation tournament powered by WhatIfSports.com. The 1946 Red Sox team is currently locked in a battle with the 2003 Sox team in the tournament final.
Who do you like in that matchup? Decisions, decisions.
7:15 p.m.: The All-Star Game used to be an opportunity to see some unique pitcher-batter matchups. It really isn't the same any more with interleague play in the MLB mix, but it's still cool to see some of the unique matchups that the All-Star Game can potentially provide — even if the game becomes someone diluted by the surplus of replacements. But I digress.
I know Ron Washington's lineup is already assembled (see below), with a little help from fan voting. But if we're talking matchups here, Washington should bring in Kevin Youkilis early. The guy is hitting .375 in 56 at-bats against Roy Halladay. Or better yet, bring up Paul Konerko, who's hitting at a .423 clip in 26 ABs against the Phillies right-hander.
Stick around for more useless stats throughout the night. I'm full of them.
But anyway, what's your favorite All-Star moment of all time? I saw a nice little bit on the 1971 All-Star Game today, but since I hadn't yet graced the earth with my presence, I'm going to have to go with the first hour or so of the 1999 event.
Not only did we get to see Teddy Ballgame take the Fenway Park mound, but we got to see Pedro Martinez dominate the first two innings on it. Do you remember the five NL batters he struck out in the first two innings of that game?
Of course, you do. But I'll be back in five with the answer. Don't stray too far.
6:35 p.m.: We're about an hour and a half, or seven hours, away from first pitch, depending on how long the opening ceremonies take. And you know what that means? No, you probably don't since we're looking at a once-a-year event here.
But it means that I'm going to weigh in on the whole Derek Jeter situation — as if you haven't heard enough about it already.
Well, I think Derek Jeter should be there at the All-Star Game.
OK, now that that's over with, let's play some baseball.
8 a.m.: With all of the changes that get made between the time the initial All-Star rosters are announced and the actual game, it can be difficult to keep track of who's in and who's out. Because of injuries, players not making the trip and various other reasons, you might even be a little surprised when you see a player take the field for the first time during the game.
But regardless of who ends up seeing playing time on Tuesday night, I'll be here with you for every pitch, every out and every head-spinning substitution.
The Sox have six representatives in this year's All-Star Game at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. — Josh Beckett, Jacoby Ellsbury, Adrian Gonzalez, Jon Lester, David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis.
Lester won't be pitching on Tuesday night because he's on the disabled list, but the rest of the Sox selections are fair game when it comes to Ron Washington's lineup card. Gonzalez and Ortiz will start the game based on this year's fan voting.
Jered Weaver will take the hill for the American League, while Roy Halladay, the ace of the Phillies' dominant pitching staff, will grab the ball for Bruce Bochy's NL squad.
The Home Run Derby on Monday night was electric, with Robinson Cano edging out Adrian Gonzalez with 12 home runs in the final round. Hopefully that level of competitiveness will carry over into Tuesday, when — love it or hate it — home-field advantage for the World Series will be determined.
Given the Red Sox' current position in the standings, that aspect of this game could be huge come October.
Here are the starting lineups that each manager annouced on Monday:
American League
Curtis Granderson (Yankees), CF
Asdrubal Cabrera (Indians), SS
Adrian Gonzalez (Red Sox), 1B
Jose Bautista (Blue Jays), RF
Josh Hamilton (Rangers), LF
Adrian Beltre (Rangers, 3B
David Ortiz (Red Sox), DH
Robinson Cano (Yankees), 2B
Alex Avila (Tigers), C
National League
Rickie Weeks (Brewers), 2B
Carlos Beltran (Mets), DH
Matt Kemp (Dodgers), CF
Prince Fielder (Brewers), 1B
Brian McCann (Braves), C
Lance Berkman (Cardinals), RF
Matt Holliday (Cardinals), LF
Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies), SS
Scott Rolen (Reds), 3B