Stock Up: 2023 All-Star Game
As tough of a watch as the home run derby was Monday night, the All-Star Game itself was entertaining Tuesday night with the National League coming out on top for the first time in 11 years with a 3-2 win on the strength of a two-run top of the eighth inning home run from Elias Diaz of the Colorado Rockies.
Elias Díaz just flipped this #AllStarGame on its head! pic.twitter.com/a676EZsZ53
— MLB (@MLB) July 12, 2023
Diaz’s home run helped the 32-year-old earn MVP honors after his homer off of Felix Bautista of the Baltimore Orioles turned out to be the difference. It has been another tough first half of the season for the Rockies, who are once again stuck in last place of the National League West, but Diaz’s heroism in the Midsummer Classic is something the organization can hang their hat on this season.
Before he became MVP, our own Kevin Henry caught up with Diaz before the All-Star Game.
There was drama in the bottom of the night as Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros walked with two outs off of Philadelphia Phillies closer Craig Kimbrel to bring the tying run to the plate in Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. With the home crowd on their feet, the Mariners’ star outfielder drew a second consecutive walk. Kimbrel, however, struck out Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians to end the game and the National League’s losing streak.
If there was one change to the game I would make, it would be to bring back each player wearing their team’s uniforms like in the old days. Watching a player on your come to the plate or the mound in their uniform instead of what they were now had a lot more meaning. Just food for thought.