MLB All-Star Game: Andrew McCutchen, Josh Harrison, Tony Watson Take Field For National League
Jul 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; National League outfielder
Andrew McCutchen(22) of the Pittsburgh Pirates steals third base past American League infielder
Josh Donaldson(20) of the Oakland Athletics in the first inning during the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
They couldn’t rescue the National League from its second consecutive loss, but the Pittsburgh Pirates trio ofAndrew McCutchen,Josh HarrisonandTony Watsonsaw action in the annual MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night at Target Field in Minneapolis.
The American League prevailed 5-3 at the Twins’ five-year-old ballpark to clinch home-field advantage in the World Series. Angels outfielderMike Troutclaimed game MVP with a 2-for-3, two-RBI performance at the plate.
For all the discussion of whether super utilityman Harrison deserved to make the NL team, the real story from the Pittsburgh perspective was McCutchen’s election to the starting lineup – the first Pirate to be so honored sinceJason Bayin 2006 at PNC Park.
NL managerMike Mathenyplaced McCutchen at the top of the order, and the reigning league MVP delivered an infield single to lead off the exhibition. McCutchen smacked a hard grounder up the middle off Seattle right-handerFelix Hernandez, but it was stopped by a divingDerek Jeter, playing in the final All-Star Game of his Hall of Fame career.
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Jeter jumped to his feet and threw quickly, but McCutchen beat the toss to first base by a split-second. The four-time all-star then took second on a wild pitch and stole third before being stranded.
The NL rebounded from falling behind 3-0 with a two-spot in the second, although McCutchen popped out to center with a runner in scoring position, as Boston’sJon Lesterescaped the inning.
The score was 3-3 in the top of the fifth for McCutchen’s third and final at-bat, which ended when he grounded out to third against defendingCy YoungAward winnerMax Scherzerof the Tigers. McCutchen played the first six frames in the field, handling one routine fly ball without an issue.
Harrison took over for Milwaukee’sCarlos Gomezin left field in the sixth, while McCutchen ceded center toCharlie Blackmonof the Rockies. Harrison flied out to right to lead off the seventh with the NL down 5-3, as Royals ace relieverGreg Hollandtossed a perfect inning.
In the bottom of the eighth, Watson enjoyed his all-star debut, albeit short. The Pirates’ star lefty reliever induced White Sox sluggerJose Abreuto fly out to Harrison with his first pitch, sending Bucs managerClint Hurdleto the mound to bring in Reds fireballerAroldis Chapman.
Harrison is a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, but he had an opportunity to play heel in Minnesota when he batted with one out and the bases empty in the ninth against Twins closerGlen Perkins. Unfortunately for Harrison and the NL, Perkins got a swinging strikeout on his way to an easy final inning.
The Pirates (49-46) return to action Friday at PNC Park when the Rockies come to town for a three-game weekend series.