Prince Fielder belted a three-run homer run in the fourth inning and that was all the National League needed in a convincing 5-1 win in the 2011 MLB All-Star Game.
Adrian Gonzalez of the Boston Red Sox hit a third inning homer for the American League, the only run the star-studded lineup managed against the tough NL pitching staff. Ten pitchers combined to give up just six hits for the NL. Somewhat ironically, the pitcher that gave up Gonzalez’s homer was Cliff Lee, who allowed just one earned run in the entire month of June.
As for the Detroit Tigers, it was a pretty forgettable night. Miguel Cabrera, Alex Avila and Jhonny Peralta combined to go 0-for-5 at the plate for the AL. Avila started and caught the first five innings, grounding out twice in two plate appearances, before being relieved by Baltimore’s Matt Wieters. Cabrera ground out in his only at-bat, while Peralta hit a long fly ball to right and a pop up in his two attempts.
Justin Verlander and Jose Valverde were also at the game, but both pitched in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Kansas City and did not play. Verlander was unavailable to pitch, but Valverde probably would have been utilized if needed. The game was notable as aces like Verlander, C.C. Sabathia, Felix Hernandez and Jon Lester were all unavailable to pitch for the AL.