American League blanks National League 4-0 as Dylan Cease leads historic All-Star pitching showcase

Dylan Cease opened the All-Star Game with a three-strikeout first inning, helping the American League hold the National League hitless after the first frame and finish with a 4-0 win. Cease struck out Kyle Schwarber, Juan Soto and C.J. Abrams, becoming the seventh pitcher to record three strikeouts in an All-Star opening inning. After consulting with senior AL All-Star Justin Verlander, Cease abandoned a planned changeup and instead threw a 96.9 mph fastball to start the game.

The AL bullpen combined for a three-hit shutout, using ten relievers to complete the effort, the first All-Star shutout since the league’s 2-0 victory in 2013. Pitchers recorded a total of 27 strikeouts, a record for a nine-inning All-Star contest. AL manager John Schneider praised the performance, noting the “unbelievable” quality of the pitching staff.

Cody Bellinger earned the All-Star MVP award after a two-run single, and Ben Rice added an RBI single in the first inning. Miguel Vargas supplied the only extra-base hit with an eighth-inning home run. The NL managed only three singles and failed to advance any runner beyond first base.

The game featured ceremonial elements, including managers signing a replica lineup card with a feathered quill and a video tribute to youth baseball. NL manager Dave Roberts highlighted the experience for participating children. Injuries were limited, though Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero left after being struck by a sinker. Veteran Mike Trout went 0-for-3 in his first All-Star appearance since 2019.