Mets and Phillies Combine to Save National League from All-Star Game Disaster

The National League blew a 6-0 lead in the final three innings of Tuesday night’s MLB All-Star Game from Atlanta, but it hung on to win thanks to a perfect performance by Kyle Schwarber in the exciting new tiebreaker. I don’t remember when MLB announced that an All-Star Game tied after nine innings would be decided by a three-on-three Home Run Derby, but it was fun to finally watch one, even if it came after a Senior Circuit meltdown.

The NL led from the start thanks to three straight hits off of AL starter Tarik Skubal by Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Ketel Marte. Marte drove in the first two batters with his double, and the NL added to its lead in the sixth when Pete Alonso hit a three-run oppo taco off of Kris Bubic and Corbin Carroll followed with a solo shot off of Casey Mize three batters later.

The AL bounced right back off the mat, though. Brent Rooker hit a three-run bomb off of Randy Rodriguez to cut the lead in half before Maikel Garcia walked, stole second base, and scored on a ground ball from Royals teammate Bobby Witt Jr. The NL held their 6-4 advantage until the ninth, when Robert Suarez allowed back-to-back doubles by Byron Buxton and Witt to put the tying run in scoring position. Dave Roberts went to Diaz for the save, but Steven Kwan got Witt home with a two-out infield single.

Next up was the thrilling tiebreaker, but it could have been even more thrilling if some of the All-Star starters were available. Unfortunately, many had already showered, which led to Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge not taking part, among others. Roberts appeared to have the edge on Aaron Boone with a three-man lineup anchored by Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, and that turned out to be the case. With the NL trailing three dingers to one, Schwarber came up and left the yard on all three of his swings to put his team in front. Jonathan Aranda needed just one home run to put the pressure on Pete Alonso, but he went 0-for-3 to give the NL the win.

The only downside of the evening was Schwarber winning MVP honors over Pete Alonso even though he went 0-for-2 during the baseball portion of the game. I don’t think three batting practice home runs are more valuable a three-run home run off of a pitcher who is trying to get you out, but I guess I’m old fashioned. If Suarez and Diaz closed the door like they were supposed to, Alonso would be MVP. We’ll have to settle for Polar Bear hitting the first Mets All-Star home run since David Wright in 2006. And of course, the National League win is great to see as well!

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