Blue Jays’ Guerrero Jr. and Kirk Perform Well in Historic All-Star Game
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By Harry Kettle
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Summary:
- The National League won the first-ever home run swing-off 4-3.
- Kyle Schwarber hit three homers and earned MVP.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 1-for-2 for the American League, while Alejandro Kirk had a key single and scored a run.
Toronto Blue Jays stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alejandro Kirk were in the spotlight Tuesday night during a memorable Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Truist Park.
After a hard-fought nine innings ended in a 6-6 tie, the National League edged out the American League 4-3 in the very first home run swing-off in All-Star history.
Kyle Schwarber, the Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, was the star of the show, hitting three homers to secure the National League’s win and earn MVP honors.
5th All-Star Appearance for Guerrero Jr.
Guerrero Jr., starting at first base for the American League, made his fifth All-Star appearance and went 1-for-2 at the plate.
He struck out against Dodgers veteran Clayton Kershaw in the second inning but bounced back with a clean single to center field off New York Mets pitcher David Peterson in the fourth.
Alejandro Kirk stepped in during the bottom of the sixth inning, taking over for Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who had just won Monday’s Home Run Derby.
At that point, the National League was leading 2-0. Kirk watched as Mets’ Pete Alonso smashed a three-run homer, followed by a solo shot from Arizona Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll, pushing the lead to 6-0.
The American League fought back in the seventh inning, with Kirk leading off by sending a sharp single to center against Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon.
He later scored on a three-run homer by Athletics’ Brent Rooker, narrowing the gap to 6-4. Kirk’s night ended in the eighth when he flew out to right field off Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski.
Meanwhile, Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman received a warm ovation as he took the field, honored as the National League’s starter. Though his parents hail from Ontario, Freeman grew up in California.
He had one plate appearance, a groundout to third base, before leaving the game in the third inning.
Good Momentum for the Jays
Back in Toronto, the Blue Jays who sadly lost Jim Clancy this week – remain atop the American League East with a 55-41 record.
John Schneider’s side is holding a two-game lead over the Yankees and three games over a hot Red Sox team on a ten-game winning streak.
The Jays, who have gone 9-3 in July, prepare to host the San Francisco Giants for a three-game series starting Friday, followed by another three-game set against the Yankees beginning Monday.
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