SAN DIEGO (AP) – No matter the names, the AL dominates the All-Star Game in the 21st Century and starts the World Series at home.
Back in 2003, when a “This Time It Counts” sign was put up in right at Chicago’s U.S. Cellular Field, the stars included Roger Clemens and Hank Blalock. This year, the key names were baseball Royalty: Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez.
And because they came up big Tuesday night, Kansas City would open the World Series at home again if it wins a third straight AL pennant – a big if.
“It just brings that sense of comfort to the team and gives you a jump-start for the whole Series,” Hosmer said after homering, driving in two runs and earning the MVP Award in the American League’s 4-2 win over the Nationals.
The Game 1 Series host has won six of the last seven titles and 24 of the last 30.