The American League All-Stars didn’t have a memorable night in Kansas City, but the National League’s starting center fielder, Melky Cabrera, certainly did.
Following the NL’s 8-0 drubbing of their counterparts, Cabrera was named the All-Star Game MVP in ballpark he called home last season with the Kansas City Royals.
Cabrera went 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored, and the 27-year-old switch-hitter was presented with a 2013 Chevy Camaro for his performance.
There were a couple other options to choose from for the 2012 Midsummer Classic MVP, but Cabrera was definitely the best choice.
Ryan Braun got the scoring started for the N.L. with a run-scoring double in the first inning.
Justin Verlander then walked a pair to bring Pablo Sandoval to the plate, who promptly rapped a base-clearing triple off the right-field wall.
Dan Uggla came up and drove in Cabrera with an infield single to round out the first-inning scoring for Tony La Russa’s team.
The game was quiet until the fourth inning when Rafael Furcal tripled to right. He was chased home by Matt Holliday, who was pinch-hitting for Carlos Gonzalez.
Cabrera then stepped up to the plate and drilled a 2-2 fastball from Texas Rangers starting pitcher Matt Harrison over the left-field fence to push the lead to 8-0.
It was a dull game after the fourth inning, as there were only six hits combined over the final five frames at Kauffman Stadium.
Cabrera is hitting .353 with eight homers and 44 RBI this season. The Giants are surely hoping that this award helps him to build on an already impressive season out West.
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