An Unlikely Star ⭐️

07/12/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Rockies Catcher Elias Diaz Hits Decisive 8th-Inning HR, Wins All-Star Game MVP as NL Beats AL (3-2) for 1st Time Since 2012

The National League beat the American League in Tuesday’s 2023 MLB All-Star Game (3-2), breaking an 11-year drought thanks to one unlikely hero. Rockies 32-year-old catcher Elias Dias was making his first All-Star appearance in his ninth season in the big leagues, and he made the difference. With the NL trailing (2-1) in the 8th, Diaz cracked a two-run go-ahead homer over the left-field wall. It was one of two home runs in the game, both by guys named Diaz (Yandy Diaz, Rays). That blast was the difference-maker as the Senior Circuit (NL) won its first All-Star Game since 2012. Diaz was also the first Rockies player to win All-Star Game MVP in the franchise’s history.

Top All-Star Game Performers

E. Diaz (COL): 1-for-2, 1 HR, 2 RBIs

J. Martinez (LAD): 2-for-2

L. Arraez (MIA): 2-for-2, 1 RBI

Y. Diaz (TB): 1-for-2, 1 HR

Pitcher’s Paradise: The All-Star Game was a pitcher’s paradise where 20 different arms split up 18 total sides. Result? A low-scoring night. There were 16 total hits and only five runs scored. Despite the low-scoring affair, there were plenty of fun moments between players and fans alike. The AL put two men on base in the bottom of the 9th before Craig Kimbrel (Phillies) struck out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays) and Jose Ramirez (Guardians) to end it.

Watch: NL Defeats AL (3-2) in MLB All-Star Game

MVP: Rockies Catcher Elias Diaz Wins ASG MVP

MLB: The Top 11 Moments From 93rd MLB All-Star Game

CBS Sports: Elias Diaz 1st Rockies Player Named All-Star Game MVP in History

ESPN: At Last! NL Rallies to Snap All-Star Game Losing Streak

Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images