Stars and strikes
After 1-2-3 1st by Verlander, Brantley’s hit scores 1st run
Astros ace Justin Verlander soaks in the atmosphere during the first inning of Tuesday’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Cleveland. Verlander, the American League starter, struck out two of the three batters he faced, while teammate Alex Bregman scored the first run of the game on a double by fellow Astro Michael Brantley as the Houston representatives helped the AL to a 4-3 win over the National League squad.
CLEVELAND — Michael Brantley is famous for hiding his feelings, but a smile snuck across his face just before he bounced out of the third-base dugout.
“I’m a fighter,” the Astros outfielder said. “I’m going to try to hide them the best I can. But it’s not that easy.”
The cheers came, and the outfielder could no longer contain his coolness. Joe Buck announced Brantley’s arrival back in Cleveland to cheering that never ceased. Brantley flashed that smile, doffed his cap and jogged to Indians manager Terry Francona. The two men shared an embrace.
“I talked about our four guys (in the All-Star Game), but I really should add him,” Francona said Monday. “To me, he’s an Indian.” To the city, too.
Back in Cleveland for the first time as a visiting player, Brantley received a huge welcome Tuesday night at Progressive Field.
Chants of his name came from the left-field stands for the three innings he played for the American League in its 4-3 victory in the AllStar Game. Each inning, the 10-year Indians vet turned to face the fans and touched his hand to his heart.
In the second inning, the roars rose before Brantley’s only at-bat of the game. His opposite-field double drove in Astros teammate Alex Bregman with the first run, and Brantley relished yet another rousing ovation from the sellout Cleveland crowd.
“I was trying to hold it together,” Brantley said. “To come back in
front of these fans that I played for for 10 years, I just want to say thank you for that support. It means so much to me. It’s going to last a lifetime.”
Brantley’s was the last of three straight Astros hits to begin the game. It was the first time in AllStar Game history that players from one team accrued each of their league’s first three hits.
Houston had a franchise-record four starters. Brantley had a fine case to secure MVP honors, but those went to Cleveland pitcher Shane Bieber, who struck out the side in the fifth inning.
In addition to Brantley, Bregman and George Springer all recording a hit, Justin Verlander flew through a vintage first inning.
Manager Alex Cora scheduled the starter for only one frame. Verlander unleashed all the energy he often reserves for late in outings. The righthander fired three fastballs at or harder than 97 mph. Of his 1,950 regular-season pitches, only 18 reached the threshold. He struck out two of the three batters he faced.
The start contained none of the regimented rituals Verlander normally employs. He emerged in the clubhouse before the game with a wide smile to chat up a few teammates, practically never the case on a day he pitches. On his walk to begin warming up, the ace acknowledged some adoring fans along the third-base line.
“All my teammates were giving me a hard time because I didn’t have my headphones on and wasn’t in game mode,” Verlander said. “The whole day I was walking around and didn’t know what to do. What do I do with all this time? The guys were giving me a hard time.
“Once I got out there and started warming up, I guess I got into a little bit of a routine. But still, I think I threw maybe two or three strikes total in the bullpen.”
Verlander required 14 pitches to finish his only frame. Reigning National League MVP Christian Yelich yanked a line drive to first baseman Carlos Santana. Javy Baez swung through a nasty fullcount slider. Freddie Freeman loomed, with more than just an at-bat to occupy his mind.
Freeman wore a microphone and earpiece to converse with Fox’s announcing crew during the plate appearance. On Monday at the batting cage, Freeman informed Verlander he planned to take him deep. Verlander did not forget the promise.
The Braves first baseman begged on the broadcast for a fastball. Verlander uncorked one at 97 mph. It painted the outside corner for a called strike. Freeman did not swing.
“I’ve never taken a heater in my life,” Freeman joked.
Verlander did not allow him another. He tossed three straight breaking pitches. A two-strike slider buckled Freeman, who held his half-swing long enough to stay alive.
“Swing the bat,” Verlander barked.
“Throw a strike,” Freeman responded.
Verlander obliged. He spun a slider that fell at Freeman’s waist. The ace allowed a wry smile to creep across his face while he sauntered from the mound.
In his first All-Star start seven years ago, Verlander felt nothing similar. He surrendered five earned runs and left his league no chance to come back.
“It came across my mind,” Verlander said. “I definitely didn’t want to give up a five-spot.
“So after I got out of the inning I came in and was giving all the guys high-fives, saying, ‘I did it! I got out of the first!’ ”
Verlander sat atop the dugout bench and watched his lineup work.
Asked before the game if he planned to swing at the first pitch, AL leadoff hitter Springer refused to reveal his plan. He slapped a second-pitch single up the middle off National League starter Hyun-Jin Ryu. Three straight groundouts prevented Springer from scoring.
Against Clayton Kershaw in the second, Bregman sent a twostrike slider toward Nolan Arenado. The reliable Rockies third baseman smothered the hot shot but could not complete the gloveto-hand transfer. Bregman was awarded an infield single.
Brantley arrived to another ovation. Kershaw stepped from the mound momentarily, and the applause continued. Brantley saw two pitches and produced a sight this city has seen often.
Kershaw dotted a four-seam fastball on the outer half. Brantley went with the baseball and rifled it to the left-center gap. Bregman scored without a slide. Brantley bounded into second base. He raised both hands in the air and unleashed a smile.
“I don’t smile too much on a baseball field,” Brantley said. “But you get a reception like that and a warm ovation, you have to smile.”