The MLB All-Star Game last night and, for the 12th year in a row, the American League won:
ST. LOUIS — The National League must feel like the frustrated brother who cannot beat his brother when it plays the American League in the All-Star Game. The N.L. knows it is talented enough to win and knows it can win. But the A.L., the imposing brother, does not let it happen.
Adam Jones hit a sacrifice fly to deliver the go-ahead run in the eighth inning, and a succession of relievers pitched seven shutout innings to power the A.L. to a 4-3 victory at Busch Stadium on Tuesday night. The A.L. increased its unbeaten streak to 13 (12-0-1), which simply added another year to an All-Star record.
Most of the fans who flocked here wanted to see Albert Pujols dominate the show, but it was the A.L. that dominated. It was a different year with different players, but it was a familiar result.
“They have talent, we have a lot of good talent,” said Mariano Rivera, who earned his record fourth All-Star save. “And I think we have a little bit of an edge. We have all those 12, 13 years. When you see that, it gives you more motivation to continue that streak.”
And, that advantage has actually lasted for quite some time now. Going back to 1988, the AL’s record is 18-3-1. Prior to that, the NL was dominating and had an overall record of 37-20-1. Now, the series stands virtually tied, with the NL holding on to a bare lead at 40-38-2.
