The American League didn't have much of a chance on Tuesday night at the 2012 MLB All-Star Game. Despite being arguably the best pitcher in baseball the last three years, Justin Verlander was pounded for five runs in the first inning as the National League went on to win by a score of 8-0.
Ryan Braun doubled home the first run of the game, and Pablo Sandoval followed a few at-bats later with a three-run triple down the right field line. Matt Holliday singled home a run in the fourth to make the score 6-0, and then Melky Cabrera sealed the deal with a two-run home run in the same inning.
Felix Hernandez did not pitch in the Mid-Summer Classic, which was to be expected. The Mariners did not have any other representatives at the game. As for other players in the AL West, Jered Weaver of the Angels worked a perfect inning on the mound. 19-year-old star Mike Trout went 1-for-1 with a walk, and he also stole a base.
Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, Mike Napoli and Elvis Andrus of the Rangers combined to go 1-for-7 at the dish.
It was a rough night for the AL, and now the NL will have home field advantage at the 2012 World Series.
For updates and perspective on the Seattle Mariners, head on over to Lookout Landing. For complete coverage of the All-Star Game and all things MLB, check out Baseball Nation.