Truist Park became the epicenter of the baseball world this Tuesday with the celebration of the 95th MLB All-Star Game. With an electrifying atmosphere and the sport’s biggest stars gathered, the event promised excitement. But no one anticipated that this edition would make history: for the first time ever, the game ended in a tie after nine innings.
Unlike regular-season or postseason games, the All-Star Game does not feature extra innings. Since 2022, MLB has implemented a special rule to break ties: a mini Home Run Derby. And this year, it was finally put into action.
How Does the Tiebreaker Work?
Each league selects three hitters. Each player gets three swings -not three pitches, but three actual attempts to hit a home run. The team that hits the most homers in those nine combined swings wins the tiebreaker -and the All-Star Game.
This format, dubbed the “swing-off,” was designed to avoid situations like the 2002 game, which ended in a 7-7 tie due to a lack of available pitchers. It also adds a thrilling twist that turns the midsummer classic into a true spectacle.
A New Chapter in All-Star Game History
The American League, aiming for its 11th win in the last 12 matchups, tied the score 6-6 in the ninth inning thanks to a clutch single by Steven Kwan. But in the tiebreaker derby, the National League came out on top, launching more home runs and claiming victory in this historic edition.
With this new ending, the All-Star Game celebrates not only talent but innovation. Could this be the beginning of a new era where ties are settled with raw power and drama? Time will tell, but for now, fans have one more reason to stay glued to their screens.
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