Speedy Jarren Duran describes himself as a player who stays focused, works hard, and values humility over superiority.
In his first All-Star Game appearance, Duran made a significant impact by hitting a two-run homer that broke a tie, earning him the MVP trophy named after Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams.
“It’s a great honor. I couldn’t think of anyone better to follow than someone like him, who was an incredible baseball player and a great person,” Duran said, reflecting on being only the fifth Red Sox player to receive the All-Star Game MVP award. “He was amazing, and I’m proud to receive his award.”
Duran’s decisive home run came in the fifth inning, helping the American League secure a 5-3 victory over the National League, continuing their dominance with their 10th win in the last 11 All-Star Games.
Pittsburgh rookie Paul Skenes impressed with a hitless first inning for the NL, showcasing his speed with pitches hitting 100 mph twice. Shohei Ohtani added to the AL’s lead with a three-run homer in the third inning in Texas.
The NL bounced back in the third inning with Juan Soto hitting a two-run double and scoring on David Fry’s single, tying the score. However, Duran’s homer off Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene restored the AL’s lead.
“It’s a surreal moment. I’m just grateful to be here,” said Duran, one of 39 first-time All-Stars this year.
Oakland’s Mason Miller earned the win, delivering the fastest pitch in All-Star Game history since tracking began in 2008, clocking at 103.6 mph. Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase closed the game with two strikeouts in the ninth inning to secure the save.
The 22-year-old Skenes, who has pitched in just 11 major league games since being selected as the top overall pick in last July’s draft, made history as the first rookie starter since 1995 with the fewest games played to make an All-Star team.
The right-handed pitcher threw a scoreless first inning, issuing a two-out walk to Soto before getting Judge to ground into a forceout on the next pitch. Skenes threw 11 of his 16 pitches for strikes, including seven fastballs reaching up to 100.1 mph.
“I wish I had a few more pitches to work with today,” said Skenes, who mixes in a variety of pitches alongside his fastballs. “It’s exciting to bring attention to the game.”
Ohtani, who has hit 29 home runs in his first season under a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hit a 400-foot home run to right field off Tanner Houck.
That came after the Boston pitcher allowed singles to the first two batters he faced: Jurickson Profar and Ketel Marte.
“I haven’t performed well in past All-Star Games, so I’m glad I made contact this time,” Ohtani said. “I focused on treating it like a regular season at-bat.”
In his matchup against Miller in the fifth inning, Ohtani struck out swinging on an 89.2 mph slider well inside the strike zone, after twice taking strikes on fastballs over 100 mph.
Ohtani’s first All-Star home run marked the first time a Dodgers player had hit a home run in the Midsummer Classic since Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza in 1996. Eleven days after turning 30, Ohtani made his fourth All-Star appearance — his first with the NL.
Baltimore’s Anthony Santander, who took over for Soto in right field, singled with two outs in the fifth inning just before Duran hit a 413-foot home run to right-center field after substituting for Judge in center. Duran watched a 95.9 mph fastball before connecting on an 86 mph splitter for the homer.
“I knew he threw really hard so I was hoping for a first-pitch fastball to gauge its speed. After that, I was looking for a pitch up in the zone,” Duran said. “Luckily, he left one up and I was able to make good contact.”
The last Red Sox player to earn All-Star MVP honors was J.D. Drew in 2008, following Pedro Martinez in 1999, Roger Clemens in 1986, and Carl Yastrzemski in 1970.
Duran earned his All-Star selection based on a vote from fellow players after becoming the first AL player to enter the break with over 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 home runs, and 20 stolen bases.
The AL holds a 48-44-2 record in All-Star Games and had won nine consecutive matchups before the National League’s 3-2 victory last year in Seattle.
AL starter Corbin Burnes arrived in Texas on the morning of the game after spending time at home with his newborn twin daughters.
The Baltimore pitcher allowed a walk followed by a two-out double to Bryce Harper before ending his inning on a ground ball hit back to him by William Contreras, his former catcher last season in Milwaukee.
After throwing the ball underhand to first base, Burnes smiled widely as he jogged and embraced Contreras on the baseline.
