Tuesday night was a night to remember for the American League All-Stars as they knocked off the National League 2-1 in extra innings in a pitching duel that was cracked when Robinson Cano hit a solo home run to open up the 10th inning. The Toronto Blue Jays sent two of their own to partake in the mid-summer classic, sending closer Roberto Osuna and first baseman Justin Smoak. Osuna and Smoak both played a part in the victory.
Smoak, Osuna Represent Blue Jays Well in All-Star Game
Justin Smoak starts for the American League All-Stars
Smoak has had an unbelievable season so far and he was rewarded for it, being named the starting first baseman on the American League team. After batting .217 with an OPS of .705 and 14 home runs last season, Smoak has drastically improved his play this season, batting .294 with a .936 OPS and 23 home runs already this season.
Smoak singled and walked during his two plate appearances at the All-Star game, and he should be happy with his performance in his first ever All-Star game. Smoak has been a bright light for the Jays who have struggled offensively at times this season, and unlike Michael Saunders last season, Smoak will be hoping to continue his run of strong play for the Jays after the All-Star break.
🚨This Just-In! 🚨
Smoak has been officially announced into his first All-Star Game! 👏 pic.twitter.com/oJQqhvRqju
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 12, 2017
Osuna gets the job done in the seventh
After being named to the All-Star team as a replacement only a few days before the All-Star Game, Osuna pitched the seventh inning for the American League team, doing his part to keep the pitcher’s duel going on, sending the game to the eighth inning tied 1-1.
Osuna started off by getting Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt to fly out before allowing a single to Michael Conforto of the Mets. He then closed off the inning by getting Corey Seager of the Dodgers to ground out into a double play. Goldschmidt, Conforto, and Seager are all big names to face, but Osuna got the job done, and he was able to enjoy the rest of the night after being replaced by Houston’s Chris Devenski.
Osuna, like many of us, has been struggling with anxiety lately, but you wouldn’t know that from the way he’s been pitching this season. The 22-year-old from Juan Jose Rios, Mexico has 22 saves this season and an ERA of 2.06.
"I grew up with a lot of dreams and this is one of them. Being an All-Star means everything to me and my family." – @RobertoOsuna1 pic.twitter.com/QchA4D0SSU
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 11, 2017
The Blue Jays will head to Detroit on Friday to open up a three-game series against the Tigers at Comerica Park. The Jays will be hoping to get back on track after losing 19-1 to the Houston Astros on Sunday afternoon.
