Should the Boston Red Sox find their way into the World Series this October, they’ll have home-field advantage in the Fall Classic thanks in large part to their performances Tuesday.
The American League defeated the National League, 4-2, for its fourth All-Star Game win in a row. All four Red Sox starters reached base and contributed to the win, and the three who played in the field all contributed on the defensive side of the ball to help keep any NL damage minimal.
Here’s a recap of how Boston’s six All-Stars fared on Tuesday:
— David Ortiz went 0-for-1 in his final All-Star Game.
Big Papi lined out in his first at-bat of the night after Chicago Cubs first baseman and former Red Sox prospect Anthony Rizzo made a tremendous play at first base to rob Ortiz of a hit.
He walked in his second AB before being lifted for Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion, who pinch ran for Ortiz and later scored an insurance run for the AL in the third inning.
Ortiz received a standing ovation from the San Diego crowd at Petco Park, and every member of the AL team left the dugout to greet Ortiz upon his exit.
— Xander Bogaerts followed Ortiz in the starting lineup, batting fifth. He roped a double down the left field line in his second at-bat and finished 1-for-2.
— Mookie Betts also finished 1-for-2. His single in the third inning was part of four consecutive hits for the AL that led to three runs, all they’d need to win. He scored a few pitches later when Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez blasted a two-run homer off San Francisco Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto.
— Jackie Bradley Jr. was one of just three players to gather two hits on the night, joining Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (who won the MVP award) and Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy.
Bradley hit an infield single in his first at-bat and followed with a base hit later on.
— Steven Wright did not pitch in the game, and closer Craig Kimbrel didn’t even travel to San Diego (who traded him to Boston last December) after undergoing knee surgery.
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Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@RedSox
