Cease, bullpen combine on 3-hitter in AL's 4-0 win, first All-Star shutout since 2013

Key Points:

• Dylan Cease struck out the side in the first inning of the MLB All-Star Game, becoming the seventh pitcher to achieve this feat in an All-Star opening inning, contributing to a dominant pitching performance by the American League.
• The AL pitchers combined for a record 27 strikeouts in a nine-inning All-Star Game, with 15 strikeouts by AL hurlers, leading to a 4-0 victory over the National League.
• All-Star MVP Cody Bellinger led the offense with a two-run single, while Miguel Vargas added a solo home run, the game’s only extra-base hit; the National League managed only three singles and failed to advance a runner past first base.
• The game featured a patriotic theme with players signing an oversized lineup card designed like the Declaration of Independence, and a special video tribute involving children and fireworks, emphasizing baseball’s connection to American culture.
• Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero exited early after being hit by a pitch but was cleared of serious injury, while notable player Mike Trout returned to the All-Star Game after a long absence but went hitless.