| By Marc Lawrence Thursday, July 11 The AL has claimed 19 of the past 23 All-Star Games dating back to the last Midsummer Classic at Jacobs Field (now Progressive Park) in Cleveland in 1997. The Junior Circuit won five straight All-Star Games from 1997-2001, and then another seven in a row after the leagues tied in 2002, for a total of 13 straight All-Star Games without a loss. The longest ‘uninterrupted’ All-Star win streak is 11, accomplished by the NL from 1972-82. AL pitchers combined to strike out 16 NL hitters, setting an All-Star Game record for the most punch-outs by one league in a nine-inning game. The previous high mark was 15, recorded by NL pitchers in 2015. Hometown hero Shane Beiber, a former walk-on at UC Santa Barbara, fanned the side in the fifth inning to earn MVP honors. For more on the Midsummer Classic click here. Today’s Scorecard Because we figured you’d want to know: Texas hurler Lance Lynn is 8-1 at home and 7-1 as a favorite in his overall team-starts with the Rangers. He’s also 16-3 in his career home team-starts during July, including 6-0 the last six. Houston’s Framber Valdez sports a 7.39 career ERA away. Grinding Out The Profits Overheard at a local sports bar … “I’d like a Coke, please.” Bartender: “Is Pepsi okay?” Patron: “Is Monopoly money okay?” So it is with Coca Cola lovers. |
