SAN DIEGO (AP) – Kris Bryant probably won’t get another first-pitch fastball from White Sox ace Chris Sale when the Chicago Cubs slugger bats against the left-hander during the City Series in a couple of weeks.
Back in his college town, Bryant showed exactly what he can do with that pitch – even against a crosstown rival who has owned him.
Bryant hit an estimated 410-foot homer on the fourth pitch of the 87th All-Star Game, providing the biggest highlight of a mediocre night for the NL in a 4-2 loss.
“I just wanted to get a hit,” Bryant said. “To have my first hit be a home run is special.”
The NL lost for the fourth consecutive year, which means the NL Central-leading Cubs won’t get home-field advantage if they make the World Series, where they hope to end their 108-year championship drought this fall.