Major League Baseball’s (MLB) “War of the Stars” All-Star Game has been a feast for the American League (AL) over the past decade. The AL has won nine straight All-Star Games against the National League (NL), dating back to 2013, with the exception of 2020, which was canceled due to COVID-19.
The NL salvaged All-Star Game pride for the first time in 11 years. The NL’s victory was led by Elias Díaz (Colorado Rockies). Playing in his first All-Star Game, Díaz hit a game-winning two-run shot in the top of the eighth inning with his team trailing 1-2 at the 2023 MLB All-Star Game on Wednesday at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, USA. Díaz’s single gave the NL a 3-2 victory over the AL. With the win, the NL improved its all-time All-Star Game record to 44-47-2.안전놀이터
National League’s Elias Díaz, of the Colorado Rockies, celebrates with the MVP trophy during the 2023 MLB All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, U.S., on Wednesday. SEATTLE=AP
With the leadoff man on second after a walk and a wild pitch, Diaz, who came to bat, didn’t miss a splitter up the middle off AL No. 9 pitcher Felix Bautista (Baltimore Orioles). NL closer Craig Kimbrel (Philadelphia Phillies) shut the door in the bottom of the ninth to preserve the one-run victory. Díaz hit the game-winning home run in his All-Star Game debut and was named Most Valuable Player (MVP). It’s the first time a Colorado player has been named MVP of an All-Star Game.
The Venezuelan native made his big league debut with Pittsburgh in 2015 as a backup catcher before being released in 2019 and signing a minor league deal with his current team, Colorado. Díaz has since worked his way back up through the organization. He had a solid 2021, hitting a career-high 18 home runs. In the first half of this year, he batted .277 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs, his hottest stretch since his rookie year, earning him a comfortable invitation to the All-Star Game. “It means a lot to me and my family,” Diaz said after the game, “I’m so proud of what I’m doing and what I’ve accomplished. To be able to play in the All-Star Game is amazing for me.”
Meanwhile, “Superstar” Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels), who started as the AL’s No. 2 designated hitter, went 1-for-1 with a walk and a strikeout.