2014 MLB All-Star Game: Mike Trout Leads AL Over NL, 5-3
Angels outfielder Mike Trout drove in two runs with two extra-base hits, and the American League beat the National League, 5-3, in the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Target Field in Minneapolis on Tuesday night.
Trout plated A's catcher Derek Norris with a tie-breaking fifth inning double off Cardinals' reliever Pat Neshek that helped the AL win its 13th MLB All-Star Game in 17 years and secure home field advantage for its eventual league champion in the 2014 World Series.
While Trout was selected the game's most valuable player for his efforts, New York Yankees' shortstop Derek Jeter was the focus of attention during the game.
Marking his 14th and final all-star selection, the Yankees' "Captain" received a minute-long ovation before he led off the game with a double off NL starting pitcher Adam Wainwright of St. Louis. Jeter scored on Trout's triple a few pitches later. Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera followed with a two-run homer off Wainwright to give the AL an early 3-0 lead.
Jeter added an opposite-field single in the third inning. The 40-year-old shortstop became the oldest player to record two hits in an all-star game. He exited the contest to a long ovation from players and fans alike when AL manager John Farrell of the Red Sox sent White Sox star Alexei Ramirez out to shortstop to replace him at the start of the fourth.
The NL clawed back to tie the game by pushing across two runs off Red Sox ace Jon Lester in the second inning and another off White Sox hurler Chris Sale in the fourth. Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy had two doubles and two RBIs for the National League.
Seven AL pitchers tossed scoreless relief over the final five innings, allowing Trout and the hitters to provide the margin of victory for the Junior Circuit. Glen Perkins of the hometown Twins nailed down the save with a perfect ninth. Detroit's Max Scherzer got the win, while Neshek was the losing pitcher.
Highlights of the 2014 MLB All-Star Game