Home runs by Giancarlo Stanton and Byron Buxton beat the American

(Los Angeles) Consecutive home runs helped the American League win the Nationals 3-2 Tuesday night in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

The American took his ninth straight win in this mid-season classic thanks to a two-run homer from Giancarlo Stanton and a long solo ball from Byron Buxton.

The American’s manager, Dusty Baker, reminded the team that the winning streak was at stake.

“We had to keep the lead for him and keep the streak going,” Stanton said.

The American is now 47-43-2 in the All-Star Game.

Selected nine times for this game, Clayton Kershaw played his first career start and at his stadium, as the Dodgers hosted the event for the first time since 1980.

Los Angeles Angels player Shohei Ohtani landed the first punch of the game on Kershaw’s first pitch. The Japanese had also said before the meeting that he was going to fire the first shot.

“I would go 100%,” Ohtani said. Kershaw has very good control of his kicks. »

Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez dropped out of a run in the third inning and took the win.

The American’s starter, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan, allowed two runs and four hits in his first All-Star game. He leads the Majors with an ERA of 1.71.

McClanahan teamed up with 10 other pitchers to limit the National to five hits. Emmanuel Clase knocked out all three hitters he faced in the ninth inning and recorded the defense.

Facing Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin, Stanton catapulted the ball 457 feet from home plate. Stanton, who is from Los Angeles, ended a seven-game All-Star Game drought.

“He hits balls solid,” Nationals manager Brian Snitker said of Stanton. He is a strong and imposing player. »

Stanton was named the Most Valuable Player in the All-Star Game. He received from the hands of Steve Garvey and Billie Jean King a glass rod on which his name was engraved.

“I still haven’t figured it out,” he said. It will be an extraordinary memory for the rest of our lives. »

Four shots later, Buxton gave the American a 3-2 lead with a high kick in the zone. Gonsolin assumed defeat.

Ohtani ended his personal streak of eight no-hitters against Kershaw. Last year, he was the American’s starting pitcher and played as designated hitter. This time Ohtani did not play.

“You can’t throw a break ball like the first pitch in the All-Star Game,” Kershaw insisted. I had to go for the fastball. »

Once on the trails, the Japanese was pinned down by Kershaw during a gesture at first base.

Nacional won its first 2-0 lead in 10 years in the opening round. Ronald Acuna Jr. kicked off by hitting an automatic double before scoring on a single from Mookie Betts. Paul Goldschmidt added a solo slap after two eliminations.

The match was sold out, with 52,518 spectators present to witness the American’s victory.