National League Shuts Out American League 8-0, Melky Cabrera MVP

"<strongAmerican League starter Justin Verlander gave up five runs in the first inning and the National League tacked on three more to cruise to an easy 8-0 victory over the American League. It was the third consecutive victory for the National League. It was the game’s first shutout this 1996 in Philadelphia.

Verlander had velocity but struggled with his command in his one inning of work.

The San Francisco Giants All-Stars had a huge  impact on the outcome of this game. Pablo Sandoval  and Melky Cabrera led the five-run outburst in the first inning. Sandoval hit a bases clearing triple. Ryan Braun and Dan Uggla each drove in a run in the first.  Cabrera later homered in the fourth inning and won the MVP award.

Matt Cain turned in a strong performance, and combined with Stephen Strasburg R. A. Dickey and Aroldis Chapman, and 7 other National League pitchers to shut down the American League stars.

San Francisco Giants show,” Matt Kemp of the rival Dodgers said during the game.

The American League was limited to six base hits and no extra-base hits. Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals battled some nerves in his first All-Star game, losing a fly ball in the outfield and getting caught in rundown between second and third.

Ffellow rookie Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout had a base hit and stole a base against Dickey’s knuckleball and drew a walk against Chapman. This year’s All-Star game featured a record five rookies.