2021 ALL-STAR GAME

The 2021 Mid-West Baseball League All-Star Game was held on Saturday Night, November 20th, 2021 in the home of the Coconut Creek Crushers.

“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:
Yu Darvish 13-2 (1.84) vs. Jacob deGrom 7-2 (1.77)

The All-Star Game kicked off with a thrilling showcase of pitching prowess and timely hitting, providing fans with an exciting start to the much-anticipated matchup.

Top of the 1st Inning: deGrom’s Dominance
The game began with a pitching duel between Jacob deGrom and Charlie Blackmon. DeGrom set the tone by striking out the first three batters he faced—Blackmon, Ronald Acuna, and Jose Ramirez. Despite a walk to Acuna, deGrom’s impressive performance helped keep the score tied at 0-0.

Bottom of the 1st Inning: Belt’s Blast and Darvish’s Departure
Brandon Belt changed the narrative in the bottom of the 1st with a powerful home run, giving the American League a 1-0 lead. However, the excitement was tempered by an unfortunate incident involving Yu Darvish, who left the game due to a wrist injury after facing only a few batters. Brandon Woodruff took over on the mound for the National League.

Top of the 2nd Inning: Sano’s Equalizer
The National League quickly responded in the top of the 2nd when Miguel Sano crushed a home run, knotting the score at 1-1. Despite a hit from J.D. LeMahieu, the inning ended with the game still tied.

Bottom of the 2nd Inning: Smith’s Double Breaks the Tie
In the bottom of the 2nd, the All-Stars took the lead again as Will D. Smith’s double brought in a run, making it 2-1. Adam Wainwright replaced Woodruff on the mound to finish the inning.

Top of the 3rd Inning: Ramirez’s Clutch Homer
The top of the 3rd saw Jose Ramirez deliver a tape-measure home run, giving the All-Stars a 3-2 lead. Despite a strikeout from Fernando Tatis Jr. and a flyout from Juan Soto, the inning showcased the offensive firepower of the National League lineup.

Bottom of the 3rd Inning: Maeda’s Strong Finish
Kenta Maeda took over pitching duties for the National League, striking out Mike Trout and Brandon Belt in a dominant display. Mike Yastrzemski managed to get on base with a double, but the inning concluded with the National League still leading 3-2.

As the game progresses, both teams showcase their skills, and with the potent lineup on display, fans could expect more thrilling moments in the innings to come. The All-Star Game is living up to its reputation as a showcase of the best talent in baseball. The action intensified during the 4th to 6th innings, with both teams showcasing their talent and making strategic moves. Let’s dive into the key moments that unfolded during this period.

Top of the 4th:
The inning started with Salvador Perez facing Adam Plutko. Plutko managed to retire Perez, but the highlight was the managerial decision to bring in Pablo Lopez to relieve Plutko. Despite Plutko’s short stint, Lopez successfully closed the inning without allowing any runs or hits.

Bottom of the 4th:
In the bottom half, Dansby Swanson faced Ian Anderson, managing to secure the first out. The game took an interesting turn when Will D. Smith walked, prompting the American League manager to send in Jose Altuve as a pinch runner. Bryce Harper then struck out, but a well-executed hit-and-run by Starling Marte put Altuve in scoring position. However, the inning concluded without adding runs for the American League as Pinch Hitter Paul Goldschmidt Struck Out.Top of the 5th:
Kevin Pillar faced Blake Snell, hitting a high fly ball caught by Trout. Charlie Blackmon struck out, showcasing Snell’s pitching prowess. The National League Manager’s decision to bring in Pete Alonso as a pinch hitter paid off when Alonso drew a walk. Jose RAMIREZ then delivered a crucial single, scoring Alonso and putting the National League ahead.

Bottom of the 5th:
The tension continued in the bottom half as Mike Trout drew a walk, and Brandon Belt followed with a ground ball that led to a close play at first. A strategic move saw Marcell Ozuna entering the game, replacing Yastrzemski in left field. Despite the efforts, the inning concluded with no further runs for the American League.

Top of the 6th:
Marcell Ozuna faced Tyler Webb, hitting a ground ball handled smoothly by Manny Machado for the first out. Sandy Leon then reached first on an error, giving the National League an opportunity. However, a popup by Freddie Freeman and a strikeout of Chris Taylor by Chris Bassitt limited the damage for the American League.

Bottom of the 6th:
In a dramatic turn of events, Bryce Harper tied the game with a home run, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Starling Marte added to the excitement with a double. A managerial chess match ensued as several defensive changes were made. However, the inning concluded with the game tied at 3-3.

The 2021 All-Star Game provided fans with a nail-biting spectacle as the contest reached its climax in the 7th to 9th innings. The game was tied at 3-3 heading into the 7th, setting the stage for some unforgettable moments.

7th Inning Drama: Pillar’s Monster Shot
In the top of the 7th, with the score tied at 3-3, Kevin Pillar stepped up to the plate facing pitcher Dillon Tate. The crowd held its breath as Pillar connected with a pitch, sending a monstrous shot deep into left center. The ball sailed high and long, clearing the fences for a home run. The National League took the lead, making it 4-3.
The inning continued with some tense moments, including Michael Conforto’s high fly ball to center, caught by George Springer, and Pete Alonso’s strikeout. The National League’s Anthony Rendon tried to make a comeback with a blooper down the right-field line, but Bryce Harper’s running catch secured three outs.

8th Inning: Harper’s Heroics
The bottom of the 8th saw the American League trailing 4-3. Brandon Belt faced pitcher Liam Hendriks, grounding out for the first out. Jeimer Candelario came on to pinch-hit for A.J. Pollock. However, Hendriks handled the situation well, striking out Candelario and Manny Machado.
As the American League took the field for the top of the 8th, Edwin Diaz replaced Tate on the mound. Diaz’s relief appearance included one earned run on a home run, but he managed to strike out three batters.

In the bottom of the 8th, the game took a dramatic turn.
George Springer’s pop-up was caught by catcher Sean Murphy for the first out. Then, Justin Altuve walked, and a daring steal attempt by Altuve saw him safe at second. With one out and Altuve on second, Bryce Harper stepped up and delivered a clutch home run down the right-field line, scoring two runs. The American League took a 5-4 lead.

A pitching change, bringing in Shane Bieber to relieve Lamet. The inning concluded after Eloy Jimenez’s double & a pop-out by Sean Murphy, but the American League maintained their lead.

9th Inning: Freemen’s Walk and Conforto’s Clutch Double
The top of the 9th saw the National League trailing 5-4. Freddie Freeman drew a walk from pitcher Gerrit Cole, putting the tying run on base. Chris Taylor then entered the batter’s box, and Freeman successfully stole second. With the tying run now in scoring position, Taylor hit a high fly ball to center, allowing Freeman to tag up and advance to third.
The American League manager made another pitching change, bringing in Trevor Bauer to replace Cole. Bauer faced Alex Verdugo, who hit a ground ball to shortstop Bo Bichette, resulting in the second out. However, Michael Conforto’s powerful double brought Freeman home, tying the game at 5-5. In the National League Manager’s final move, he replaced Pete Alonso with Xander Bogaerts as the designated hitter. Despite a solid pitch down the middle, Bogaerts couldn’t capitalize, and the inning ended with the game tied.

Walk-Off Glory: Abreu Seals the Victory
In the bottom of the 9th, with the score tied at 5-5, Jose Abreu faced pitcher Shane Bieber. Abreu seized the moment, sending a deep shot to left field. Although the ball flirted with the foul line, it was deemed fair, and Abreu’s walk-off home run secured a thrilling 6-5 victory for the American League.

As Abreu rounded the bases, the crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating a game that will be remembered for its dramatic twists and turns. In the aftermath, a note of recognition was given to the 2021 All-Star Game Co-MVPs: Bryce Harper for his two home runs and Jose Abreu for the game-winning walk-off home run. The 2021 All-Star Game delivered a memorable showcase of talent, passion, and the sheer unpredictability of baseball.

FINAL SCORE:
AMERICAN LEAGUE 6 – NATIONAL LEAGUE 5

WP: Trevor Bauer 1-0 (0.00)
LP: Shane Bieber 0-1 (13.50)

CO-MVPs: Bryce Harper & Jose Abreu shared the Award.
Harper went 2 for 3 with 2 Home Runs, 2 Runs Scored & 3 RBIs.
Abreu hit a Walk-Off Home Run in the bottom of the 9th to win it!