Baez, Contreras Bring Early Spark for NL All-Star Team Despite Loss
Fans and players flocked to Nationals Park Tuesday to witness the 89th Major League Baseball All-Star Game. This year was set to potentially be another magical year with three Chicago Cubs’ players in this season’s midsummer classic.
After a great showing in the MLB Home run Derby from Kyle Schwarber and Javier Baez, it was time to ride the wave Tuesday night.
This year’s Cubs All-Stars:
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jon Lester, P
Both Baez and Contreras were voted in by fans to start the game while Lester was chosen by players, coaches, and managers. Despite getting picked, Lester pitched on Sunday putting him out of the game.
Fresh of the Home Run Derby, Baez was set to start at second and bat lead off. Contreras was the back of the batting lineup, batting ninth, and playing catcher.
In the top of the bottom of the first, Baez did not hesitate against Chris Sale. He took Sale’s first pitch to the outfield for a leadoff single. Sadly, Sale was too much for this National League lineup and Baez was stranded.
The American League took a 2–0 lead with help of home runs from Aaron Judge and Mike Trout. Cubs fans got another chance to watch their favorite players again in the bottom of the third.
Just like Baez in the first, Contreras smacked Blake Snell’s first pitch but instead of a single, he hit a solo home run lead bringing the game within one run.
Baez would end up getting another 2 at-bats. He followed Conteras’ home run with a ground out to Snell in the third and a fly out in the fifth. Contreras ended his night grounding out to the shortstop.
The two teams combined for a record 10 home runs in this year’s All Star Game. The American League for a sixth straight year edged out the National League, 8–6 in 10 innings.
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