2018 ALL-STAR GAME

The 2018 Mid-West Baseball League All-Star Game was held on Saturday Night, November 10th, 2018 in the home of the Columbus Explorers.

“Special. recognition is given here to Brandon Hogan for taking on the past All-Star Games Project as he has helped out playing these and catching up not only with the MWBL but also with some past MWWL All-Star Games.  Thank you very much Brandon for helping out with these projects. I hope you enjoy the Mid-Baseball & Mid-West Winter League as much as we have the past 25 Years!”

STARTING PITCHERS:
Clayton Kershaw 12-6 (2.06)
vs.
Max Scherzer 23-4 (1.71)

In a dazzling display of baseball prowess, the 2018 All-Star Game concluded with a standout performance as one team established dominance in what can only be described as a pitching masterclass. 
From the onset, fans were electrified in the top of the 1st when Mike Trout faced off against Max Scherzer and sent the ball soaring over the left field wall, establishing an early lead. 
The first innings set the tone with both starting pitchers, Clayton Kershaw for the American League and Max  Scherzer for the National League, being pulled early after just one inning apiece, as strategy took center stage with a plethora of bullpen arms being meticulously managed.

Offensive sparks were few and far between but strategic hits made all the difference. It wasn’t until the top of the 5th, that drama unfolded once again. After a Kris Bryant walk and a Buster Posey Infield Single, Daniel Murphy laced a key double down the right line, allowing Kris Bryant to score, followed by a controversial play at the plate where Buster Posey was tagged out on a great throw from Giancarlo Stanton but not before Murphy advanced to third, extending the American League’s lead to 2-0.

The pitchers continued to dominate the scene. Jhoulys Chacin, Zack Godley, Edwin Diaz, and Craig Stammen each contributed scoreless frames, effectively shutting down their counterparts. For the National League, Jose Berrios and Jhoulys Chacin steadfastly kept hopes alive with their scoreless stints on the mound but ultimately the National League could not kindle the offensive fire needed to spark a comeback as their bats remained relatively silent throughout the game, managing just one hit against a formidable array of pitchers from the American League.

By the top of the 7th, leadoff hitter George Springer tagged a single and soon after, Buster Posey knocked in another run with his single to right, putting the American League ahead by three runs, marking the last of the scoring action.

On the defensive front, the game was tight. Standout plays peppered the innings, including a vital double play orchestrated by Daniel Murphy, and Jean Segura over to Anthony Rizzo in the bottom of the 7th, emphasizing the defensive acumen present on the field. Moreover, the American League tactically replaced players throughout the game to maintain their upper hand, showcasing a chess-like approach to the matchup.

As the innings progressed, the American League maintained its lead without wavering. David Robertson and Brad Hand found themselves in a bind when they gave up the third run in the 7th, but quickly escaped without further damage. Aroldis Chapman, Justin Verlander, Dellin Betances, and Sean Doolittle, among others, all contributed to the stifling effort that left National League hitters scrambling for answers.

Closing out the game, Pat Neshek earned the save, striking out two batters in a perfect 9th inning. The losing pitcher, saddled with a tough start, was M. Scherzer, while the win was credited to the collective efforts of the American League pitchers who kept the slate clean but statistically went to Zack Godley.

An undeniable highlight of the game was Trout’s leadoff Home Run, and Mike Trout was declared the Most Valuable Player Award winner for his spectacular homer and consistent hitting that sparked the American League’s victory. Trout’s performance encapsulated the skill and excitement that defined the 2018 All-Star Game, leaving fans enthralled and eagerly anticipating the next showdown between baseball’s best.

FINAL SCORE: AMERICAN LEAGUE 3 – NATIONAL LEAGUE 0

WP: Zack Godley 1-0 (0.00)
LP: Max Scherzer 0-1 (9.00)
SAVE: Pat Neshek #1

MVP:  Mike Trout – Motor City Muscle – Trout led off the game with a Home Run, which was the winning Run, he also had a single.