The American League defeated the National League 5-2 in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game.
There was no MLB All-Star Game last year due to the season being upended and shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic. But in 2021, the Midsummer Classic made its return on Tuesday, live from Coors Field in Denver, Co. Maybe it was the year break, but this year’s All-Star Game lived up to the hype.
The American League officially owns bragging rights for the next year, as they defeated the National League by the score of 5-2. The American League has now won eight straight All-Star Games. Los Angeles Angels two-way player Shohei Ohtani earned the win in his one inning of work, while Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers was handed the loss.
American League defeats National League in MLB All-Star Game
The American League put on the pressure early, as Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien knocked in New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge on a single to give his team a 1-0 lead. In the third, Semien’s teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended their lead to 2-0, courtesy of a monstrous solo home run to left field.
Guerrero knocked in another run in the top of the fifth inning after grounding out. Boston Red Sox Xander Bogaerts followed suit by hitting an RBI single to give the AL a 4-0 lead.
The National League showed life in the bottom of the fifth after Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto hit a solo home run off Detroit Tigers pitcher Gregory Soto. However, Tampa Bay Rays catcher Mike Zunino responded with a one-run homer of his own in the top of the sixth off New York Mets right-hander Taijuan Walker.
The National League managed to get the bases loaded two outs into the sixth inning and scored one run after a passed ball by Zunino. However, Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant struck out to end the National League’s inning, down 5-2. Bryant had the bases loaded with two outs on the board in the eighth inning, but his short blooper to left field was caught by Jared Walsh of the Los Angeles Angels on a beautiful sliding grab.
Another year where the American League’s reign of dominance in the All-Star Game continues.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was named the youngest All-Star game MVP in history and hit the 200th home run of the All-Star games.