American League Wins Again in the 2009 MLB All Star Game

Sports Betting News - July 15th, 2009 - Written by Bruce

Last night's MLB All Star Game featured the best players in the game and it went down to the very last pitch. The American League extended its streak last night as they beat the National League 4-3 at Busch Stadium. The AL has now won twelve of the last thirteen and tied in the other contest. With all the top players joining forces they put on a great show for the St. Louis crowd. What made the night even more special was that President Barack Obama threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The home town all star Albert Pujols was the lucky player chosen to catch the President's pitch. In what was a great scene to watch, Seattle Mariners OF Ichiro Suzuki was seen looking extremely excited when he got the chance to meet President Obama. He had a huge grin on his face and truly looked like a kid on Christmas Day. There was plenty of build up as Tim Lincecum took the mound to start the game off as the NL starting pitcher. 

The game got started with the the AL team taking a lead in the top of the 1st. Uncharacteristically, it was Pujols who made an error which led to the first run. Lincecum was not getting much help behind him as the NL defense struggled with a few ground balls which ended up leading to the AL taking a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the 2nd the NL team had a big inning and took a 3-2 lead. On a Yadier Molina single to center, two runs scored when OF Josh Hamilton had a throwing error. Prince Fielder, the Home Run Derby Champion from the night before, came up next and hit a ground rule double scoring another run. The three runs would end up being the last runs scored by the NL team. The scoring would slow down for the next few innings until Derek Jeter scored on a Joe Mauer double in the top of the 5th. The biggest play of the game came in the bottom the 7th inning as Rays OF Carl Crawford made a home run saving catch over the left field wall. It was a remarkable catch that was a huge play preventing the NL from taking the lead. An inning later Tigers OF Curtis Granderson hit a one triple for the AL team. He then scored on a sacrifice fly hit by Orioles OF Adam Jones. This gave the AL a 4-3 lead which ended up being the final score. Yankees closer Mariono Rivera came in and shut the door close with a 1,2,3 9th inning earning the AL another All Star Game win.

Carl Crawford won the game's MVP award largely due to his remarkable catch which a potential game saving home run. He entered the game in the fifth inning and got a single. An interesting stat is that Crawford became the first non pitcher to win the MVP without an RBI in over 40 years. Mariono Rivera picked up his 4th All Star save last night which is a major league record. Red Sox pitcher Jonathan Papelbon picked up the win for the AL. The win continues the recent domination for the AL as they have been in complete control of the All Star Games of late against there NL counterparts.