MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – After a 5-3 victory over the National League on Tuesday night, the American League All-Star team earned home field advantage in the World Series, thanks in large part to contributions from one of its top teams.
Miguel Cabrera delivered the first major punch in the first inning, taking an Adam Wainwright inside fastball and yanking it over the left field fence. The two-run shot gave the AL a 3-0 lead after just four batters.
But the National League fought back and tied the game at three apiece, prompting AL manager Jon Ferrell to call on last season's Cy Young Award winner. Max Scherzer entered the tie game in the top of the fifth inning and fought right through the heart of the NL lineup. He allowed one hit while striking out Yasiel Puig and Paul Goldschmidt, two of the game's strongest hitters. He also retired 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen on a ground ball.
The AL went on to score two runs in the bottom half of the inning, putting Scherzer in line for the win. Twins closer Glen Perkins shut down the NL in the top of the ninth to secure the victory in his home ballpark.
Ian Kinsler earned one at-bat in the game and struck out on five pitches. Victor Martinez didn't play as he continues to heal from an ailing injury.
As a strong contender heading into the second half, the Tiger All-Stars certainly did their part in assuring that the AL representative will start the World Series at home in October.
Tigers ASG stats:
Cabrera: 1-3, HR, R, 2 RBI
Kinsler: 0-1, SO
Scherzer: 1 inning pitched, 2 SO, W