MLB All-Star Game 2018: AL homers way to 8-6 win over NL

The American League continued its domination of the MLB All-Star Game with an 8-6 victory in 10 innings over the National League on Tuesday night. It was a game full of homers as both sides crushed balls all over the park, especially from the seventh inning on.

Alex Bregman and George Springer hit homers in the 10th inning to help put the game away. Edwin Diaz was the winning pitcher and J.A. Happ got the save. Ross Stripling was the losing pitcher.

FINAL SCORE – 10 innings: AL 8, NL 6

• Joey Votto immediately cut into the AL’s advantage with a solo homer to right field. If you wanted dingers, this game has provided dingers.
• Well, that tie didn’t last long. Astros teammates Alex Bregman and George Springer launched back-to-back home runs – the eighth and ninth of the game, respectively – to immediately put the AL back up by two runs. Jean Segura also scored off a sacrifice fly to further put the NL in a hole.

Ninth inning: AL 5, NL 5

• Scooter Gennett saved the night for the NL with a two-run homer to tie the game with one out in the bottom of the ninth. Jesus Aguilar then gave the crowd a jolt with a deep fly to center with two outs, but it was caught to end the danger. Extra innings!

Eighth inning: AL 5, NL 3

• The NL isn’t done yet! Christian Yelich continues the theme of homers dominating the game with a solo shot to cut the lead to two runs.
• Jean Segura may have just blown the game wide away with one out in the eight inning. The Mariners infielder smacked a three-home homer off Brewers reliever Josh Hader to put the AL back ahead.

Seventh inning: AL 2, NL 2

• The NL also had a chance to take the lead with two runners on and two outs, but Jesus Aguilar popped out to end the inning.
• Just like that, Trevor Story got the NL right back into the thick of things with a line drive home run to left field. The Rockies shortstop hit an absolute rocket that just never settled down before flying into the crowd.

Sixth inning: AL 2, NL 1

• Pitchers continue to get the job done while attention turns to storms that hopefully don’t affect the game. Meanwhile, Manny Machado did an in-game interview with Ken Rosenthal seconds before the FOX reporter tweeted that he’s probably going to be traded to the Dodgers.

Fifth inning: AL 2, NL 1

• A very deep shot to center field fell into the glove of Mike Trout just feet ahead of the fence. So close!
• Aaron Nola struck out two before allowing a single to Jose Altuve that gave the AL a chance to extend their lead with Mike Trout at the plate. Trout popped out near the first base line, however, to end any threat.

Fourth inning: AL 2, NL 1

• A scoreless inning from Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz kept the NL within striking distance entering the next frame.

Third inning: AL 2, NL 1

• WILLSON CONTRERAS, COME ON DOWN!!! The Cubs catcher homered in his first-ever All-Star plate appearance to cut the AL lead in half.

• Mike Trout goes yard to put the AL up 2-0 in the third inning. That power in the middle of the AL lineup is just ridiculous, and there’s nobody more ridiculous in baseball than the man named after a fish.

Second inning: AL 1, NL 0

• The broadcasters spent a good chunk of the second frame chatting with Mike Trout from center field, which showed how they can get the players involved a bit more in the broadcast while the game is going on. That was pretty cool, who doesn’t love hearing an All-Star talk about the weather.
• Watch yourself, counselor! Aaron Judge hit an absolute bomb, as he does, to give the AL an early lead.

First inning: AL 0, NL 0

• Javy Baez led off with a single up the middle for the NL, but Chris Sale proceeded to do his thing to shut things down from there.

• The AL had the chance to do some damage with runners on the corners and two outs, but Jose Ramirez popped up to Baez, who made no mistake. It’s all tied up after the first three outs in D.C.
• Mookie Betts led off the game for the AL with a strikeout to Max Scherzer, who continues to dominate these games. When asked who he thinks will when MVP while stepping up to the plate, he told Ken Rosenthal, “That’s tough to say. I got no idea on that.”

Before the game

The American League will face off against the National League in the 2018 MLB All-Star Game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night. The biggest names in the sport will be on hand for an event that hopefully matches its sheer talent in entertainment value.

One of the changes made to the All-Star Game in recent years removed the exhibition’s attachment to the postseason. World Series home-field advantage no longer has anything to do with the game, so there are no stakes beyond bragging rights for whichever team wins.

The AL has won the past five All-Star Games and boasts an impressive talent advantage yet again entering Tuesday night, so the NL will need to be on its game to end the streak. Javy Baez and Willson Contreras will be representing the Cubs in the starting lineup. The AL, meanwhile, has the top six players in wins above replacement this season.

The All-Star Game may not be a nail-biter like the best that baseball has to offer, but if the Home Run Derby was any indication, this year’s stars have some thrills in store. It should be a fun night in D.C. and for those of us tuning in from around the world.

How to watch the 2018 MLB All-Star Game

Time: 7 p.m. CT

TV: FOX

Live stream: Fox Sports Go and Fox Sports app