The American League celebrated baseball and patriotism with a 4-0 victory over the National League in the All-Star Game Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park. The night featured elaborate pre-game ceremonies, including players entering through giant Liberty Bells and signing a lineup scroll styled after the Declaration of Independence, culminating in a mid-game fireworks display and a "Happy Birthday, America" singalong.
New York Yankees teammates Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice provided the game's decisive offense in the first inning. With two outs, they delivered back-to-back, run-scoring singles against Phillies lefty Cristopher Sánchez, accounting for all four runs the American League would need. This marked the first time since 1962 that Yankees teammates drove in runs in the Midsummer Classic, according to MLB.
Bellinger was named MVP for his two-run single that opened the scoring. The 2019 MVP, who has revitalized his career with the Yankees, returned to the All-Star Game for the first time in seven years. He acknowledged the transformation he has undergone as a hitter and an athlete, and expressed his joy in sharing the experience with his family.
"I don’t know how much they’re going to remember,” Bellinger said earlier in the day, “but I’m going to remember it all.”
Rice's RBI single followed Bellinger's, adding to the early lead. He described his teammate's earlier hit as inspiring and highlighted his own journey to the majors, from being a 12th-round pick to becoming an everyday player and even participating in the Home Run Derby.
"I was so fired up for him,” Rice added about Bellinger, “and I was just so happy for him and his family, him getting to walk the red carpet with his wife and his two kids. It was just awesome.”
The American League pitching staff was equally dominant, combining for a three-hitter. Eleven pitchers struck out 15 batters and allowed only two walks, effectively shutting down the National League offense.
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Rice reflected on his own memorable moments, including participating in the Home Run Derby with his father and sharing a clubhouse with players like Mike Trout and Justin Verlander.