Another year, another MLB All-Star Game has been put in the books. This one was extra special for New York fans as they got to watch an emerging superstar and say goodbye to the greatest closer of all time.
1. Matt Harvey Strikes Out Miguel Cabrera
Matt Harvey is the talk of baseball. It was only natural that he was given the start tonight. After getting in some early trouble, giving up a double to Mike Trout and hitting Robinson Cano, Harvey had to face Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera is arguably the best hitter in the league and has dominated some of the best pitchers in the league. Harvey, showing no fear, went right after Cabrera even causing the slugger to chuckle after he swung and missed. With his nerves settling down, Harvey threw an amazing sequence of pitches that struck out the reigning triple crown winner. With that, Harvey dominated the rest of his time on the mound. He was pulled after the second inning.
2. Jose Bautista Provides All the Offense the American League Needs
It turned out to be a game with very little offense. Toronto slugger Jose Bautista provided all the offense that the American League needed tonight. He kept the ball in the park and instead hit a sacrifice fly that scored Miguel Cabrera in the third inning. The AL pitchers were able to keep the National League off the board and went on to win, 3-0.
3. Mariano Rivera Enters the Game
He is the greatest closer of all time. He is a class act. He is New York baseball. For the last time, Mariano Rivera came into the All-Star Game. With Enter Sandman playing, the players cleared the field and allowed the closer to savor his last time running out of the bullpen for an All Star Game. Rivera came in during the eighth inning and did not allow a run nor a hit. Yet again, Mariano Rivera was impossible to hit. Rivera will not only go down in history for how well he pitched, but how well he played the game. Rivera was awarded the MVP honors for the night.
