2016 ALL-STAR GAME
It’s a beautiful day in Southern California for the 20th Annual MWBL All Star Game. The American League leads the series 12 games to 7, however the National League has won the last 3, including a 7-4 win south of the Border in Tijuana Mexico last year.
STARTING PITCHERS:
Dallas Keuchel (27-2 1.79) vs. Jake Arrieta (17-10 1.66)
The game was quiet for both squads until the bottom of the 4th Inning when Dee Gordon lead off with a squibber off 
the end of the bat, which hugged the third base line. Josh Donaldson let it roll, but the ball refused to go foul & it ended up looking like a line drive in the box score, but it actually traveled about 27 feet. Gordon didn’t take long & was off on the 1st pitch to Francisco Lindor. Buster Posey made the throw down to 2nd Base, but Gordon snuck in with a Stolen Base. (North America was happy as Taco Bell gave away a free Taco on a steal in the All-Star Game). After Lindor Struck Out & Charlie Blackmon flew out to center field, it was up to Joey Votto to give the N.L. Squad the lead. Votto but the ball in play with a shot past Jose Altuve & on into right. Gordon came around to score quite easily with his speed & the National League had a 1-0 lead.
The National League pitchers were doing their best to keep the American League hitters off the board & not only with runs, but with hits as well. Through 7 Innings of play the American League squad had ZERO hits in the contest.
The National League got on the board scoring their 2nd run. With two outs Dellin Betances gave up a Walk & Stolen Base to Bret Gardner. After Lorenzo Cain was hit by a pitch, Adian Gonzalez singles to right scoring Gardner & putting the National League up 2-0 through 7 Innings of play.
With Kevin Kiermaier scheduled to lead off for the American League the National League squad trotted out Francisco Liriano to start the top of the 8th. The American League countered with Pinch Hitter Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera got the American League’s 1st Hit as he belted one deep to right and gone! Miguel Cabrera broke up the No-Hitter & Shutout in one swing & putting the trying run in the batters box down 2-1 to the National League.
In the 8th Inning Eric Hosmer Singled home Charlie Blackmon to extend the lead to 3-1 for the National League.
Top of the 9th Mike Fiers, Wei-Yin Chen & Darren O’Day for a 1-2-3 Ninth Inning & putting the end to a very pitching dominated 2016 Mid-West Baseball League All-Star Game.
FINAL SCORE:
NATIONAL LEAGUE ALL-STARS 3, AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STARS 1
WP: Matt Harvey
LP: Madison Bumgarner
SAVE: Darren O’Day
Dee Gordon is awarded the MVP by going 3 for 3 with a Stolen Base including a Run Scored.
MVP: (3H, 1R, 1SB)
