MLB All-Star Game: American League Baffles National League, 3-0

Jul 16, 2013; Flushing, NY, USA; The American League all stars cheer for American League pitcher Mariano Rivera (not pictured) of the New York Yankees during the 2013 All Star Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

In the 84th MLB All-Star Game, the American League returned to their typical dominance after losing three consecutive. Home field advantage secured.

While David Wright played unofficial host of this year’s summer classic, the moment of the night was in the bottom of the 8th inning. After Neil Diamond performed “Sweet Caroline”, a familiar tune played throughout the stadium as another familiar face exited the bullpen and headed toward the mound. Mariano Rivera, in his last All-Star Game appearance, made his way out to an empty field and a standing ovation to the famous Metallica song, “Enter Sandman”.

Jose Bautista drove in the winning run for the American League on a sacrifice fly to deep center field, scoring Miguel Cabrera. Jason Kipnis also added an RBI in his only at bat, and J.J. Hardy drove in the other.

Mike Trout started off the game with a leadoff double on the very first pitch of the game from Matt Harvey. On the very next at bat, Harvey threw a fastball too far inside to Robinson Cano, hitting the Yankee slugger. Luckily, Cano is okay and suffered just a quad bruise.

The story of the night was the pitching of the American League. National League hitters managed just three hits and no runs.

To no surprise, Mariano Rivera took home MVP honors.