MLB All Star Game 2010 Breakthrough for National League

The MLB All Star Game 2010 went as expected in some ways. During the MLB All Star Game 2010, there weren't many MLB All-Stars who scored runs. This reflected the first half of the year in general, as hitters kept going down to the year's best pitchers. Only two plays the whole night drove in any runs, and one of them was an unearned run. However, the one play that got in runs for the National League got in three runs, which was enough in the MLB All Star Game 2010.

The stacked pitching lineups for the American and National Leagues were in control early. David Price blew by the National League order for two innings, while Ubaldo Jimenez was a bit shakier, but got out of trouble. Things remained scoreless into the fifth, before an error led to a Robinson Canoe sacrifice fly.

At this point, the MLB All Star Game 2010 looked to be the same old story for the National League. They hadn't won since 1996, and had lost the last four years by one run. Yet, the National League got the bases loaded against Phil Hughes in the seventh, then the Braves' Brian McCann came to give them a break.

McCann got the first bases-clearing double in the game's history, giving the National League a 3-1 lead. The American League tried to rally in the ninth against Jonathan Broxton, but Marlon Byrd threw out David Ortiz at second after a hit. With that, the MLB All Star Game 2010 finally broke a long drought for the senior circuit.

At long last, the American League lost a midseason classic, and has given up World Series home field as a result. The Yankees and Rays have the two best records in baseball, but, if one of them reaches the World Series, it would start on the road against an NL team that might have a worse record.

The MLB All Star Game 2010 had little room for offense, which has been the case most of this season. But, for his one big hit, McCann got the MVP, and helped out his first-place Braves should they win the pennant. Yet, the NL rotation of Jimenez, Josh Johnson, Matt Capps, Adam Wainwright and more held the American League to six hits, and no earned runs.

The Yankees had a rough day before and during the MLB All Star Game 2010. After George Steinbrenner's death, Yankees' hurler Phil Hughes took the loss, while manager Joe Girardi had the first AL loss in 14 years on his watch. He was criticized for not bringing Alex Rodriguez in to pinch run in the ninth, especially when Ortiz was thrown out.

Now that the MLB All Star Game 2010 festivities are over, the baseball pennant races will resume tomorrow to determine who actually goes to the World Series.

Sources

Yahoo Sports- "Pitchers bring serious heat to All-Star Game"

SI.com- "McCann makes up for near-miss, wins All Star MVP"