Mariners, American League Wins Again, 8-6

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Jean Segura #2 of the Seattle Mariners and the American League celebrates with third base coach Gary Pettis #8 of the Houston Astros after hitting a three-run home run in the eighth inning against the National League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Jean Segura #2 of the Seattle Mariners and the American League celebrates with third base coach Gary Pettis #8 of the Houston Astros after hitting a three-run home run in the eighth inning against the National League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star game was an absolute slugfest. There were 9 total home runs, and the game had to go to extras. The American League won the game by a score of 8 to 6.

As you already know, the Mariners sent 4 players to the All-Star game: Nelson Cruz, Mitch Haniger, Edwin Diaz and Jean Segura. Segura had his moment to shine in the 8th inning with two runners on.

During the at-bat, Jean popped one up to Reds 1B Joey Votto. Joey dropped the ball along the fence of the NL dugout, and Jean lived to see another pitch. He then took a 3-2 pitch and launched it into the Bullpen in right field off of Milwaukee Brewer Josh Hader. His 3 run home run gave the American League a 5-2 lead, but that was not enough to finish off the game.

Astros pitcher Charlie Morton gave up a home run to Brewers OF Christian Yelich to pull the NL within two. AL skipper then turned to Mariners closer Edwin Diaz to close out the game. Diaz gave up a two-run home run to Reds 2B Scooter Gennett, tieing the game at 5.

In the 10th, Astros 3B Alex Bregman and OF George Springer hit back-to-back home runs to get the lead back, and that was enough to keep the AL ahead. Bregman’s home run earned him the 2018 All-Star game MVP award. With winning the award, sponsored by Chevrolet, he had a choice to make. A brand new Chevy Camaro, or a brand new Chevy Colorado. He chose the Camaro and gave it to his mom.

Nelson Cruz only got one plate appearance in the game, and he walked. Cruz was more notably recording video on his phone in the dugout and was shown on TV doing so repeatedly. Mitch Haniger got two at-bats, going 0-2 with a strikeout. He did catch the final out of the game. Diaz blew the save but did earn the win.

The stars definitely shined tonight in DC. Trout, Judge, Votto, and Contreras also homered tonight. Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Francisco Lindor, Matt Kemp and Charlie Blackmon were mic’d up while playing the field, and they were all having fun with it.

All in all, the game was a success. The players seemed to enjoy the relaxed environment, and selfies were taken both in the dugout and on the field. Manny Machado, in possibly his last game as an Oriole, took a selfie with Matt Kemp. Now, the second half can begin.

Next: Mariners Extend King Felix?

The Mariners resume play this Friday the 20th. They host the Chicago White Sox for a 3 game weekend series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10. As Always, Go Mariners.