The MLB All-Star Game isn't officially an exhibition game since home-field advantage in the World Series is on the line. But that doesn't mean the game isn't fun for the players regardless of the outcome.
The National League won home-field advantage and the game, 8-0, as Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander took the loss after giving up five runs in his first career All-Star start. The San Francisco Giants showed up big with starter Matt Cain earning the win and center fielder Melky Cabrera earning the MVP award for his two hits, including a two-run homer in the fourth inning.
While things didn't go as Verlander had hoped, at least he and teammate Prince Fielder had some fun while they were out on the field together. According to Jason Beck, Verlander wasn't sweating the poor outing or the loss.
Verlander: "They like the see the 100 mph fastball. I gave them that." #Tigers #ASG
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 11, 2012
Verlander: "I threw a pitch 100, [Beltran] fouled it off and Prince at first goes, 'Ver! 101!' I said, 'Ok!'" #Tigers #ASG
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 11, 2012
Verlander usually starts out games in the low 90s but wanted to impress in his short outing by hitting triple-digits on the radar gun. He also skipped his normal, focused pre-game routine because of the casual nature of the game and the pre-game festivities.
Fielder ended the game going 0-for-2 at the plate with a pair of deep fly balls for outs. Third baseman Miguel Cabrera was 0-for-1 on the night.
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