2022 MLB All-Star Game: Fellow Oklahoman Shines Bright

On Tuesday, July 19, the American League defeated the National League 3-2 in the MLB All-Star Game to extend their win streak to nine.
The star-studded night was a smashing success that saw several great performances by the league’s best.
One notable performance was by a fellow Oklahoman, Ryan Helsley, of the St. Louis Cardinals. The all-star was born and raised in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and played at Northeastern State University as well.
Helsley, who is one of the best relief pitchers in the league, has been spectacular this season with 39 innings of work with 57 strikeouts during that span and boasts an astonishing .69 earned run average.
During the game, Helsley pitched the eighth inning and gave up one hit, no runs, and struck out two. The flame thrower also dazzled by hitting 103 miles per hour on the radar gun.
Helsley was the state’s lone all-star this season.
Other notable performances during the night included:
Giancarlo Stanton (New York Yankees, American League): Went 1 for 2 with a game-tying two-run homer and a strikeout. Stanton was the game’s MVP.
Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins, National League): Pitched one inning, gave up zero hits, zero runs, and two strikeouts. Alcantara has arguably been the best pitcher in baseball this season and continued his dominance during the All-Star Game.
Paul Goldschmidt (St. Louis Cardinals, National League): Went 1 for 1 with a solo homerun that extended the National League’s lead at the beginning of the game.
Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins, American League): Went 1 for 2 with the go-ahead solo home run that sealed the game and a strikeout. Buxton hit a monster home run in the fourth inning, going back-to-back homers with Stanton.
Alek Manoah (Toronto Blue Jays, American League): Pitched one inning, gave up zero hits, zero runs, and three strikeouts. Perhaps the most entertaining and electric part of the night was Manoah’s multitasking performance. While he was pitching, live during the game, he simultaneously conversed with the Fox broadcast booth.

Emmanuel Clase (Cleveland Guardians, American League): Pitched one inning, gave up zero hits, zero runs, and three strikeouts. Clase closed the game and ended the National League’s chances in the final inning, only needing ten pitches to seal the deal.