The American League dominated the National League in the All-Star Game from Philadelphia. Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger drove-in a pair of runs to receive MVP honors in a 4-0 victory. The AL scored three times in the first inning and never looked back as White Sox slugger Miguel Vargas launched a solo homer in the eighth to put the game away. Hometown hurler Cristopher Sanchez gave up all three runs in the opening frame for the NL while Mets outfielder Juan Soto tallied one of the team’s three hits.
While the Pirates had both Paul Skenes and Braxton Ashcraft in attendance, neither one was eligible to pitch for the NL all-stars. Skenes, who was originally named to the team, said he would be unable to pitch as he was scheduled to throw on Sunday. Ashcraft was also deemed ineligible for the All-Star game due to recent pitching activity. He was to pitch on Friday night for the Pirates-Brewers game but that was rained out and he pitched in the double-header the next day, making him unable to get the necessary rest before the All-Star game. Ashcraft is also dealing with a blister issue.
While Major League Baseball is now on a two-day break, the Pirates will be getting ready for their game Friday night in Cleveland against the Guardians.
