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Dodgers Bring Dominant Pitching and Speed to All-Jeter Game
It was all Derek Jeter all the time during the 85th MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday. The legendary Yankee shortstop made his final All-Star appearance, and he collected two hits including a lead-off double in the first inning thanks to Adam Wainwright who admitted that he gave Number 2 a “pipe shot.” Dodger fans couldn’t be more annoyed after National League manager Mike Matheny chose his guy over the best pitcher in baseball, Clayton Kershaw, for the starting pitching spot in Minnesota. Of course Kershaw went on to pitch a perfect inning in the second.
Waino: “I was gonna give him a couple pipe shots. He deserved it. I didn’t know he was gonna hit a double or I might have changed my mind.”
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 16, 2014
The Dodger All-Stars still managed to help out the National League even though Yasiel Puig struck out three times during his
Jul 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; National League pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch in the second inning during the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
appearance as the starting right fielder. Puig batted second in the lineup, but failed to bat flip for the second night in a row after coming up empty in the Homerun Derby on Monday night. Puig haters were in full force as the Cuban phenom flailed at the plate, but Felix Hernandez, Yu Darvish, and Max Scherzer aren’t exactly slubs. Even though Puig wasn’t able to show off his skills, he was having the time of his life during all the festivities. It was great to see the Dodger superstar get his moment even if it was lacking the Wild Horse moments we have grown to love. Puig is just saving the real fireworks for the World Series.
Clayton Kershaw was dominant like always. He induced a pop-out from Adam Jones, struck out Josh Donaldson, and got Salvador Perez to groundout to third. Kershaw only needed 11 pitches (7 of them strikes) to retire the side in the second.
That’s how it’s done, Waino.
Zack Greinke also pitched a perfect frame in the fourth. Jose Bautista grounded out, and the quirky right-hander struck out both Nelson Cruz and Adam Jones. Greinke made 12 pitches (9 strikes) in the quick inning. The Dodgers really showcased their excellence in pitching, and Hyun-jin Ryu, Josh Beckett, and J.P. Howell haven’t exactly been slouches this season either.
National League 3 8 1
American League 5 7 0
WP- Scherzer
LP- Neshek
S- Perkins
HR- Cabrera
Dee Gordon got into the game in the bottom of the fourth as a pinch-runner for Chase Utley who was hit by a pitch by Chris Sale. Dee Gordon showed off his game changing speed as he scored the tying run for the N.L. on a Jonathan Lucroy double. Gordon also made a fine defensive play in the bottom of the sixth when he made a sliding stop to rob Michael Brantley of a base hit which ended the inning.
The American League scored another two runs in the fifth, and the National League wasn’t able to score anything after the fourth.
Jul 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; National League pitcher Zack Greinke (21) of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch in the fourth inning during the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Even though the American League came up with the 5-3 victory and is awarded home field advantage in the World Series, it is not a big issue for the Dodgers who play better on the road anyway.
The mid-summer classic is behind us now as Derek Jeter rides off into the sunset. Actually Jeter still has the second half of the season to play for the Yankees, so I’m sure this is not the last Jeter fest we will see.
Mike Trout, the youngest player in the game, was awarded the All-Star M.V.P. award after helping the American League with two hits and two RBIs. Trout was presented with a Chevrolet Corvette as his prize.
The Dodger All-Stars will now return to their homes for a much needed break before they rejoin their teammates on Friday in St. Louis. Adam Wainwright could face the Dodgers in the series.