The National League All-Star team defeated the American League All-Stars 3-2 on Tuesday night in Seattle. It was a close affair the entire night, but the NL came out on top behind a big swing from a first-time all-star in the eighth inning.

While the NL came out on top, the Mets had very little representation in the 2023 All-Star game. Pete Alonso struck out in both at-bats on Tuesday, and Kodai Senga, who replaced former Met Marcus Stroman on the NL All-Star team, didn’t throw a single pitch.

The AL opened the scoring in Seattle in the second inning. Facing Pittsburgh starter Mitch Keller, Yandy Diaz pulled a solo home run to left field to give the AL a 1-0 lead. The 31-year-old has been a staple in the Rays’ offense this season, and is leading the AL with a .408 on-base percentage in 78 games.

The NL struck back in the top of the fourth. Facing George Kirby in his home stadium, J.D. Martinez doubled to lead off the inning, and was in scoring position for Luis Arraez. The NL batting leader demonstrated his contact skills, and singled into right field on the first pitch he saw to tie the game at 1-1. Arraez became the first player with a .383 batting average to record a hit in an All-Star game since Nomar Garciaparra in 2000 (.389).

Once the NL tied the game, the pitching took over. Alex Cobb and Justin Steele shut down the AL, and allowed only one hit across the next two innings. On the other side, Carlos Estévez and Yennier Cano were dominant in their two innings of work, and struck out four of the seven combined batters they faced.

The AL went back on top in the bottom of the sixth. Facing Alexis Díaz, the brother of Mets’ closer Edwin Díaz, the AL put runners on second and third with one out in the inning. Then, Bo Bichette flew out to right field to drive home Salvador Perez to give the AL a 2-1 lead.

However, the NL wouldn’t trail for long, and took the lead right back in the top of the eighth inning. In his first All-Star game at 32-years-old, Elias Díaz hit a towering two-run home run to give the NL a 3-2 lead. The Rockies is having a respectable 2023, and is slashing .277/.328/.435 with nine home runs through 80 games.

While they eventually lost, the AL put up a fight in the bottom of the ninth. Kyle Tucker reached with a two-out walk, and set the stage for the hometown All-Star Julio Rodríguez. However, the 22-year-old All-Star also walked and passed the baton to Jose Ramirez. The Cleveland Guardian, however, couldn’t get the job done, and struck out against Craig Kimbrel, who earned his first All-Star game save in his ninth appearance.

The NL won their first All-Star game since 2012 – an 8-0 win at Kauffman Stadium. It was a rare win for the National League, which has a 6-27-1 record in the All-Star game since 1988. It was a consecutive All-Star game that ended with a 3-2 score, with the AL winning by that score last year at Dodger Stadium.

2023 All-Star Game MVP

Elias Díaz took home the 2023 All-Star Game MVP. The Rockies catcher hit the deciding home run in the eighth inning, which gave the NL their first All-Star game victory in eleven years.

“A lot of emotions (as I was rounding the bases),” Díaz said about his go-ahead home run. ” I was really caught up in the moment… I never thought I would be here in my career.”

Díaz became the first Colorado Rockie to win an All-Star game MVP in 2023. The 32-year-old earned his first All-Star game appearance in his ninth MLB season, and hit a home run in his first at-bat.

On Deck

The Mets return to action on July 14 against the Dodgers at home. Justin Verlander starts the second half for the Mets, and will look to improve upon his respectable, yet disappointing 3.60 ERA. Julio Urías opposes Verlander on Friday. The left-hander has struggled in 2023, and has a 4.76 ERA this season after finishing third in the 2022 NL Cy Young race.

The game will be available to watch on Apple TV+, and can be listened to on 880 WCBS.