Sometimes, the All-Star Games are thrillers, last year being the one that jumps immediately to mind thanks to recency bias the swing off to win the game. Other times, there are snoozers where not a whole lot happens.
Tonight was definitely the latter.
The American League pitching staff dominated the National League lineup, striking out 15 NL hitters on the night and taking the game, 4-0. Luckily, this is an exhibition again and means nothing in terms of the World Series. However, this is where we focus
on the Phillies. It leads to the question: how did the Phillies do in the game to represent our great city?
Well…
Cristopher Sanchez
Yikes.
Sanchez was given the honor of starting the game for the National League, a deserved honor based on his body of work last year and this year where he has continued his ascent to the top of many starting pitcher rankings. Tonight? That wasn’t the case. Sanchez struggled quite a bit in his inning of work, allowing three runs in the opening frame thanks to control that was largely nonexistent. Maybe it was the adrenaline, maybe it was nerves, but Sanchez had a hard time landing his stuff where he wanted it to go, leading to uncharacteristic walks and hard hit balls. He struck out Mike Trout to start the inning before Yordan Alvarez singled up the middle, followed by a walk to Shea Langeliers. Junior Caminero grounded out for the second out and it looked like Sanchez would sneak out of trouble, but another walk to Bobby Witt, Jr. loaded the bases.
Then, the Yankees hit. Back to back singles from Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice plated three before Sanchez struck out Riley Greene to end the frame. It wasn’t the greatest performance by a Phillies pitcher, but hey, it’s just an exhibition.
Kyle Schwarber
A large theme of the night was the National League not hitting at all. Schwarber was a culprit on the night, going 0 for 2 with a strikeout, not covering himself in glory. He did give a great soundbite though.
FOX chose to mic up several players on the evening, Schwarber being one of them. His earpiece fell out after a swing, which meant a mid at bat adjustment.
Classic.
Brandon Marsh
If Schwarber didn’t do anything, Marsh may have done less. Making his All-Star debut, Marsh was able to get two at bats in the game…..and struck out in both. Like I said the other day, Marsh looks like he needs some time off from baseball, but he did make a kid’s night on the field during that Sandlot thing.
Bryce Harper
Hey look! Another Phillies hitter striking out! Cool though is that there was another soundbite since, again, FOX!
Jesus Luzardo
As rough of an outing as Sanchez had, Jesus Luzardo was pretty much the polar opposite. He looked great in his inning of work, getting the fourth inning for the National League and setting the American League down in order. He even got Riley Green to strike out on a nasty, nasty sweeper that has come to define him in his tenure here in Philadelphia.
Jhoan Duran
Almost an afterthought, Dave Roberts was able to get Duran into the game in the ninth inning after Mason Miller got the first out of the innings. Duran came in (maybe he had his entrance, maybe he didn’t, who knows because again – FOX!) and got two outs after allowing a single to Randy Arozarena.
