American League Wins 2024 All-Star Game

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

July 16, 2024

AL All-Stars 5, NL All-Stars 3

ARLINGTON, Tex. (Jul 16) — The American All-Stars were victorious in the 2024 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field, 5–3, on Tuesday evening. The time of game was two hours and 28 minutes, which is the shortest time of game since the 1988 All-Star Game at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The American League won that game, 2–1, with a run time of two hours and 26 minutes. Fast forward to 2024, where the AL All-Stars leaned on a two-run homer by Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran. It was a nice win for the Junior Circuit.

A First for Ohtani

The NL All-Stars broke the seal in the top of the third against Red Sox righty Tanner Houck. San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar led the inning off with a single to right. Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte followed with an infield single that was out of reach for Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson. That brought up Los Angeles Dodgers DH Shohei Ohtani. With the capacity crowd of 39,343 on their feet, Ohtani blasted one to right-center to give the NL All-Stars a 3–0 lead. Everyone in attendance witnessed history as the homer marked the first All-Star home run of Ohtani’s career. It was a very special moment that, along with many of Ohtani’s feats, will be seen on highlight reels for years to come.

The AL All-Stars responded in the bottom of the third off San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb. Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien led off with a single to right. On deck was Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, who drew a walk. Both runners moved up a base when Henderson grounded sharply to first. Next up was New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, who plated Semien and Kwan with a screaming double to right-center to make it 3–2 in favor of the NL All-Stars. Two batters later, Guardians DH David Fry drove in Soto with a single to left to tie the game 3–3. Fry entered the game as a pinch-hitter for Houston Astros DH Yordan Alvarez.

AL All-Stars Grab Lead

The American League took a 5–3 lead in the bottom of the fifth off Cincinnati Reds righty Hunter Greene. Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander entered the game in the top of the fifth as a defensive replacement for Soto in right. In his first at-bat in the bottom of the fifth, Santander singled to right. On deck was Duran, who hit the two-run shot to right-center. That home run netted Duran All-Star MVP Honors.

What Went Right for the AL All-Stars

The AL All-Stars managed to snap back quickly in the third. They scored two runs on Soto’s RBI double and they were able to tie it on Fry’s single to left. Duran’s home run in the fifth also proved to be a key moment for the home nine. Considering the power that was in the other dugout, the AL All-Stars were fortunate to bob and weave their way out of this Midsummer Classic.

What Went Wrong for the AL All-Stars

The American League was backed into a corner early with Ohtani’s dinger in the top of the third. He walked and struck out in the game as well to go along with his three RBI. Other than that, the AL took advantage of most of their opportunities on the evening.

Pitching Notes

Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller earned the win after tossing a perfect fifth inning, striking out two. Houck would have been on the hook for the loss if his offense hadn’t come through. In the ninth, Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase gave up a single to Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill before striking out Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds to end the game. Clase also fanned New York Mets infielder Pete Alonso earlier in the frame, and earned the save with his performance. On the National League side, Greene shouldered the loss after giving up Duran’s home run.

Postgame Quotes

After the game, AL All-Star manager Bruce Bochy reflected on the experience of being at the helm during an All-Star Game. “It’s always a great honor,” Bochy said. “Every year, you are amazed to be a part of it. It is and always has been one of the premiere events in all of sports. As a kid, it was such a big day for me. There was so much excitement about watching the game. To stand on that line now, it’s even bigger. I’m blessed to do it. You want to win the game, but there is a lot going on. There is a lot of scrambling.”

Bochy became the first manager to win World Series titles and All-Star Games in both leagues. He is now 2–3 as an All-Star manager, leading the NL to a win in 2011. He won the World Series three times with the Giants in 2010, 2012 and 2014, then led the Rangers to their first championship in his debut season with them last year.