National League wins All-Star Game 3-1

National League - 3, American League -1

WP - Matt Capps, Washington Nationals
LP - Phil Hughes, New York Yankees
SV - Jonathon Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers

NL RBI - Brian McCann (3) Atlanta Braves
AL RBI - Robinson Cano (1) New York Yankees

All-Star Game MVP: Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves

In the words of the immortal Vin Scully "the impossible has happened."

After a 13-year drought, the National League has finally won the All-Star Game and has secured home field advantage in the playoffs with a 3-1 victory over the American League.

The defeating blow came in the 7th inning.

After New York Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes allowed both Scott Rolen of the Cincinnati Reds and Matt Holliday of the St. Louis Cardinals to reach on singles, lefty reliever Matt Thornton of the Chicago White Sox gave up a walk to Chicago Cubs' outfielder Marlon Byrd. With the bases loaded and 2 out, Thornton gave up a bases clearing double to Brian McCann, catcher of the Atlanta Braves.

In the 9th inning, David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox led off with a sharp single to right field, putting a man on with no out. The next batter, Adrian Beltre, also of the Red Sox, struck out on three pitches from Los Angeles Dodgers' pitcher Jonathon Broxton. Next up was Toronto Blue Jays catcher John Buck, who hit a bloop single to right field which fell just in front of Byrd. Ortiz, who thought the ball would be caught, hesitated before running into second base and Byrd, who made a heads up throw, forced Ortiz out at second base, ending any chance of a rally. Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers flied out to center field to end the game. The NL won 3-1.

Brian McCann was named the All-Star Game MVP.

"You dream of moments like this as a kid. It was amazing," said McCann.

"McCann came up with that three-run double, and that can break your back with the pitching they have over there," Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said. "It bummed me out, but I was having so much fun out there, playing in my own ballpark. That's what this game is really all about -- having fun."

However, before Kinsler's at bat, the broadcasters were talking about how Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees, who owns 597 career home runs, was still the only player on the bench that had not played in the game. They felt that AL manager Joe Girardi would pinch hit A-Rod for Kinsler, as A-Rod would represent the tying run and had the potential to tie the game with one swing of the bat.

But Girardi didn't use A-Rod.

I'm curious as to why Rodriguez was not played in this game. I surely would have preferred him as a pinch hitter and would have felt more confident in my team's ability to win. I expect Girardi to answer these questions as they will probably be a hot topic.

It's only fitting that the first American League loss in 13 years would be under the command of a Yankees manager. Sigh, only more of a reason for other fans to hate the Yankees. Well, the haters gonna hate and that's that.

This was a pitching dominated game. Few hits, few runs and dominant pitching by both leagues. In a season where there have been two no-hitters and two (but really three) perfect games, it has truly been the "Year of the Pitcher." That swagger carried over to the All-Star Game and resulted in a National League win.

In my opinion, the pitcher with the nastiest stuff in this game: Josh Johnson of the Florida Marlins. Dude's pitches just looked unfair for those AL hitters.

Congratulations to Charlie Manuel, Brian McCann and the rest of the National League.

The NL leads the overall All-Star Game series 41-38-2.

As for the New York baseball players in this game tonight:
Derek Jeter, New York Yankees: 1-2, single
Robinson Cano, New York Yankees: 0-1, RBI
Nick Swisher, New York Yankees: 0-1, K
Andy Pettitte, New York Yankees: 1 IP, 2 K
Phil Hughes, New York Yankees: 0.1 IP, 2 ER, (L)
Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees: Did Not Play
CC Sabathia, New York Yankees: Did Not Play
Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees: Did Not Attend (injury)
Jose Reyes, New York Mets: Did Not Play (injury)
David Wright, New York Mets: 2-2, SB

Mark my words, Girardi will be managing the All-Star Game next year for the American League. You know what that means....

The NL leads the overall All-Star Game series 41-38-2.

Update 1:54 AM: From Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez:

"We had a couple of situations where I could have gone in, but it was up to him on which situation to put me in. Joe probably decided it was best -- unless he really needed me -- not to use me. ... It would have been fun, but maybe next time."

Someone sounds pisseddddd....