The Boston Red Sox deservingly sent three representatives to the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.
Rafael Devers did not make the trip to rest nagging injuries, though starting pitcher Tanner Houck and Jarren Duran both took the field as All-Stars for the first time.
Houck got the ball in the third inning for the American League. A few unfortunate bounces put two runners on before Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani started the scoring with a three-run home run to right field. The Red Sox righty did end his inning with a strikeout on his splitter to retire Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras.
Jarren Duran entered as a defensive replacement in the fifth inning and stole the show. The Red Sox outfielder went 1-for-2 at the plate with the game-winning two-run home run off of Cincinnati Reds starter Hunter Greene.
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The American League won 5-3 with Duran’s home run as the difference. As a result, the Red Sox star took home the All-Star MVP award, named after a Boston icon in Ted Williams.
Houck and Duran shined during the season’s first half for Boston as the team entered the Midsummer Classic break 11 games over .500. Now, both players will continue massive roles in pushing Boston through a pennant race.
Featured image via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images
