Pittsburgh Pirates all-stars shine, but NL loses 6-3

Pittsburgh Pirates all-stars Andrew McCutchen, Mark Melancon, and Gerrit Cole each saw action in yesterday’s MLB All-Star Game. Their contributions went for naught as the National League lost to the American League by a score of 6-3, ensuring that the junior circuit will receive home field advantage in the 2015 World Series.

The highlight of the game for many Pittsburgh Pirates fans was seeing McCutchen launch a upper-deck home run into left field in the top of the sixth.

The AL got off to an early lead on the back of a Mike Trout solo home run to begin the game. It was the first home run to lead off an all star game since Bo Jackson did so back in 1989. Trout would go on to win MVP honors by virtue of a 1-for-3 performance, including the home run, a walk, and two total runs scored.

Cole came on in the third inning in relief of Zack Greinke. He worked a scoreless inning highlighted by striking out Trout.

Melancon came on to work the eighth inning with the NL down 5-2. Brian Dozier of the Minnesota Twins got the best of him and took him deep for a solo home run. Melancon rounded out the inning with a strikeout of New York Yankee Brett Gardner.

To the great disappointment of many Pittsburgh Pirates fans, A.J. Burnett did not find his way into the game. For his part, Batman took it all in stride:

The Pirates will thankfully resume play on Friday with a six-game road trip comprised of dual three-game sets against the Milwaukee Brewers and Kansas City Royals.

Next: The Top 10 Pirates of the First Half