Jarren Duran, renowned for his humility and dedication, made a memorable mark in his All-Star Game debut by hitting a crucial tie-breaking two-run home run for the American League (AL) and securing the MVP trophy, an honor named in tribute to Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams.
Expressing his deep respect for Williams, Duran acknowledged the privilege of following in his illustrious footsteps.
AL Imposed
The AL triumphed with a 5-3 victory over the National League (NL) in the All-Star Game, marking its 10th win in the last 11 games. Duran's decisive home run came in the fifth inning.
Pittsburgh rookie pitcher Paul Skenes, the NL starter, showed his prowess by pitching a no-hit first inning with pitches that reached 100 mph.
Skenes, notable for being the first rookie starter since 1995 and the player with the fewest games played to make an All-Star team, had pitched just 11 major league games since being the first overall selection in the previous July draft.
Shohei Ohtani made a significant contribution with a three-run home run in the third inning, leading the AL to a 3-0 lead. Ohtani's home run, his first in an All-Star Game, also distinguished him as the first Los Angeles Dodgers player to hit a home run in the Summer Classic since Mike Piazza in 1996.
This accomplishment comes during Ohtani's first season on his record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers.
In the third inning, Juan Soto connected on a two-run double and a David Fry single tied the game for the NL. Duran then connected on his decisive home run against the Cincinnati Reds' Hunter Greene, who launched a 95.9 mph fastball followed by an 86 mph split ball.
Oakland right-hander Mason Miller, who picked up the win, threw a 103.6 mph pitch, the fastest ever recorded in an All-Star Game since tracking began in 2008. Cleveland Rangers closer Emmanuel Clase secured the save by striking out two batters in the ninth inning.
Skenes got off to an impressive start, throwing a no-hit first inning with 11 of his 16 pitches being strikes and seven fastballs exceeding 100 mph. He allowed a base on balls with two outs to Soto but then induced a grounder by Aaron Judge.
Ohtani's home run against Boston's Tanner Houck was a 400-foot drive to right field. Ohtani later struck out against Miller, who threw 100+ mph fastballs along with an 89.2 mph slider.
Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles replaced Soto in right field and singled with two outs in the fifth inning, setting the stage for Duran's home run. Duran, who replaced Judge in center field, described his strategic approach to dealing with Greene's fast pitches.
Jarren Duran isn't just an All-Star.
JARREN IS THE ALL-STAR MVP! pic.twitter.com/MyYYJJWWjqdU- Red Sox (@RedSox) July 17, 2024
MVP and Records
Duran's performance made him the fifth Red Sox player to be named All-Star Game MVP, joining J.D. Drew (2008), Pedro Martinez (1999), Roger Clemens (1986) and Carl Yastrzemski (1970).
His selection for the All-Star Game was the result of a vote by his teammates, recognizing his achievement of at least 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases before the break.
The AL now has a 48-44-2 record in the All-Star Game, having won nine consecutive games prior to last year's 3-2 NL victory in Seattle.
AL starter Corbin Burnes, who arrived in Texas the morning of the game after spending time with his newborn twin daughters, pitched one inning, allowing a base on balls and a double with two outs to Bryce Harper before ending the inning on a William Contreras grounder.
The All-Star Game, which lasted 2 hours and 28 minutes, was the shortest since 1988, when the AL won 2-1 in Cincinnati.
Bruce Bochy of the Texas Watchmen achieved a unique distinction as the first manager to win World Series and All-Star Game titles in both leagues.
Bochy now has a 2-3 record as an All-Star Game manager, having led the NL to a victory in 2011 and secured three World Series titles with the San Francisco Giants. Last year, he guided the Lookouts to their first championship in his debut season.
As the MLB regular MLB resumes Friday with 14 games scheduled, the Philadelphia Phillies boast the best record in the majors at 62-34, while Cleveland has the highest winning percentage in the AL at .611, with Baltimore and the New York Yankees also posting 58 wins.
