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Drew Named M. V. P. As American League Prevails In 15 Innings, 4-3
By Administrator | July 16, 2008
Major League Baseball’s 79th All-Star Game was an extraordinary baseball game.
Red Sox outfielder J D Drew hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning to get the American League on the board and tie the 79th MLB All-Star Game, at 2-2. He later singled, reached on an error, stole a base and — in the 15th inning — walked to move the game-winning run to third base immediately before Texas SS Michael Young hit a sacrifice fly to send the junior circuit home with a 4-3 win in the 79th MLB All-Star Game.
Red Sox OF J D Drew hit a home run in the seventh inning of tonite’s All-Star Game, tying the score at 2-2 and helping to propel the AL to a 4-3 win in 15 innings… AP photo
In recognition of his performance, Drew was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
With the American League out of position players and down to its last pitcher — and the possibility of the game ending in a tie looming — the AL scored the game-winning run off Philadelphia Phillies closer Brad Lidge in the fifteenth inning after 4 hours and 50 minutes (the longest game, time-wise, in ASG history).
The win went to Tampa Bay southpaw Scott Kazmir, who pitched on Sunday and threw 104 pitches in the Rays’ loss… the lefty was the AL’s last pitcher and was only used because all of the squad’s other pitchers had been used earlier in the game. Kazmir was on a strict pitch count, and if the game had gone further, it is likely the AL would have had to consult with Commissioner Bud Selig about ending the game — in a tie. But thanks to Drew and Young that bridge was never crossed…
Minnesota 1B Justin Morneau started the winning rally with a leadoff single against Lidge… after Texas 2B Ian Kinsler hit a low liner that was caught, Tampa catcher Dioner Navarro singled to move Morneau to second base. Drew fought off a couple of two-strike pitches before drawing a walk, moving the HR Derby winner to third base. Young then lofted a fly to right field… Milwaukee’s Corey Hart threw home, but the throw took two bounces and was slightly to the first-base side of the plate. Atlanta catcher Brian McCann grabbed the ball and tried a sweep tag, but Young scored ahead of the tag.
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The game was marked by some outstanding pitching efforts, most notably by Colorado’s Aaron Cook who faced a bases-loaded, no out situation in the tenth inning — thanks in large part to two errors by Marlins 2B Dan Uggla (who set a record by making three errors in the game) — but nonetheless managed to pitch out of the jam.
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Six different American League players stole a base in the game… Milton Bradley, Josh Hamilton, Derek Jeter, Ian Kinsler, Grady Sizemore and Drew.
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The American League is now undefeated in the All-Star Game over the last twelve years — winning eleven straight decisions (one game ending in a tie).
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The win was the AL’s first-ever extra-innings win in the All-Star Game, spoiling the NL’s previously perfect 9-0-1 record.
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The game equaled the longest game in ASG history — from an innings standpoint — tying the 1967 affair (a 2-1 NL victory).
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Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon surrendered an unearned run in the eighth inning — thanks to an error by catcher Dioner Navarro.
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The AL is now 6-0 since the decree by MLB Commissioner Selig that the league winning the ASG gets home-field advantage in the World Series… so Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 will be at Fenway Park in October!
Topics: Miscellaneous |
