NL rallies in 9th and 10th for All-Star win

The All-Star game looked like it was going to cruise along without too much excitement. The National League held a 4-2 lead late in the game and the American League was down to its final six outs when an otherwise ho-hum ballgame turned into a classic.

With runners on second and third with nobody out, Louisville's Kareem Raines singled home two runs to tie the game at four runs apiece. Fargo Dirtbags closer Bert Price entered the game and after Raines stole second, got Monterrey's Haywood McDonald to line out. The next batter, Colorado Springs' Jung Zheng, ripped a single into centerfield to score Raines and give the AL a 5-2 lead. Nashville's King Winn then came to the plate and smashed a 2-run home run to further pad the American League's lead.

Now faced with a three run deficit, the NL went to work on a comeback in the top of the ninth. With one out and a runner on first, Fargo's William Bolling singled into centerfield off of Jackson's Josh Dreese. Dreese then struck out Toronto's Dewey Greenwood. Down to their last out, the National League would come back to tie the game when Trenton's Stephen Mills doubled down the rightfield line, scoring Chang and Bolling. Salt Lake City catcher Galahad Paul would follow that up with a single to knot the game at seven.

The American League would leave a runner at second in the bottom of the ninth, sending the game into extra innings. New Orleans CF Don Jefferson would lead off the 10th for the NL and reach base on an error by Raines. Chang would single putting runners at the corners with nobody out when Burkhart grounded to Iowa City SS Wendell Durrington who botched the play, allowing Burkhart to reach base and Jefferson to score and give the NL a lead they would not relinquish. Bolling then singled to load the bases and after the next two batters recorded outs Paul doubled into the gap in left centerfield, clearing the bases and giving the NL a four run lead.

Norfolk's Ariel Lee would get the win while Toronto's Jackson Hayes recorded the save. Charlotte's Larry Stokes suffered the loss for the AL. Paul was named the game's MVP by going 2-3 with 4 RBI.

Galahad Paul Salt Lake City Shakers Age: 33 B/T: S/R Born: Chamberlain, SD Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile