American League Wins Again

The National League lost for the twelfth time since 1996. With the 4-3 win, the American League will gain home field advantage during the World Series.

The American League took a 2-0 lead in the first inning off Tim Lincecum. Lincecum was backed by poor defense. The NL had three chances for a double play, but Albert Pujols made an error and David Wright made a bad throw. Also, nobody covered first base on a relay from short.

The NL got it back in the second inning. David Wright blooped a single off Roy Halladay and Shane Victorino (1-for-2, R) singled. Yadier Molina's two run double tied the game at two.

Prince Fielder's pinch hit double gave the NL a 3-2 lead in the second. However, Joe Mauer tied the game at three in the fifth with a RBI double of his own.

In the seventh inning, it looked like Brad Hawpe had tied the game. But Carl Crawford robbed Hawpe of a home run, leaping and reaching over the fence. It was Barry Bonds/Torii Hunter-like.

In the top of the eighth inning, Curtis Granderson led off with a triple. He scored on Adam Jones' sacrifice fly to give the AL a 4-3 lead.

With two on and two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Ryan Howard (0-for-1, SO) had a chance to tie the game, or possibly give the National League the lead. Joe Nathan struck him out on a check swing.

Mariano Rivera complete the save, his fourth in All Star Game history. The game lasted only 2 hours and 31 minutes, the fastest All Star Game since 1988 (2:26). Carl Crawford was named the MVP after his fantastic, game-saving catch.

Here are how the rest of the Phillies fared:

Chase Utley: 0-for-2 (groundout, fly out). He made a couple spectacular plays at second base.
Raul Ibanez: 0-for-2 (groundout, pop up)
Jayson Werth: 0-for-1 (strikeout). Made a fantastic catch in centerfield.