Miguel Vargas homered in two trips to the plate, a solo-shot in the eighth inning to put the nail in the coffin during the American League’s 4-0 blanking of the National League. The slugger becomes the first Cuban to homer in the midsummer classic since Yandy Díaz did it in 2023.
Nick Martínez made his first All-Star Game appearance and was dominant on the mound tossing a scoreless inning to notch a hold for the American League during which he fanned a batter to aid the American League in their blanking of the senior circuit. The Cuban-American hurler adds on to what has been a career year with his sterling performance.
Aroldis Chapman opened the ninth inning as his usual dominant self by retiring the first two batters he faced and one via the punch out to help secure the junior circuit’s triumph. The flamethrowing left-hander lowered his career run average to 0.00 in 5⅔ innings pitched in the All-Star Game.
Dylan Cease notched the victory, while Cristopher Sánchez took the loss. The American League now leads the All-time series 48-44 and both circuits have tied three times in the exhibition contest. In total nine player of Cuban heritage saw action on the night.
Cuban action on the night:
Miguel Vargas (White Sox): 2-1,HR,RBI,R
Andy Pagés (Dodgers): 2-0
Yandy Díaz (Rays): 2-0
Nick Martínez (Rays): 1.0IP,0H,0ER,K*
Aroldis Chapman (Red Sox): 0.2IP,0H,0ER,K
Yordan Álvarez (Astros): 2-1,R
Randy Arozarena (Mariners): 2-1
Sal Stewart (Reds): 1-0*
Raisel Iglesias (Braves): 1.0IP,H,0ER