The American League won the 2026 MLB All-Star Game 4-0 over the National League on July 14 in Philadelphia, home of the Phillies [1, 2, 3]. Pitchers combined for a three-hit shutout, marking the first All-Star shutout since 2013 [1, 2]. The American League has now won 18 of the last 23 All-Star Games and leads the series 49-45-2 overall [1].
Dylan Cease struck out the side in the first inning, becoming only the seventh pitcher to do so in an All-Star opening frame [1]. Cristopher Sánchez started for the National League and allowed three hits and two walks in the first inning, throwing 34 pitches [1, 3]. He said after the game, "It just took me a little time to soak it all in and enjoy it" [1].
Cody Bellinger, who turned 31 the Monday before the game, was named Most Valuable Player after hitting a two-run single in the first inning [1, 2, 3]. Ben Rice followed with an RBI single to extend the lead [1, 2]. Miguel Vargas hit an eighth-inning home run for the American League, the only extra-base hit of the game [1].
The National League managed only three singles and did not advance a runner beyond first base [1]. Pitchers combined for 27 strikeouts, 15 by American League players [1]. The game saw the absence of stars like Shohei Ohtani, Jacob Misoriowski, and Paul Skenes [1]. Junior Caminero of Tampa Bay was hit by a pitch in the third inning and left the game but suffered no serious injury [1].
Bellinger recently re-signed with the New York Yankees on a five-year, $162.5 million contract [3]. Previously an NL MVP and Rookie of the Year with the Dodgers, he is now the fourth Yankee to win All-Star Game MVP, joining Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Giancarlo Stanton [2, 3]. He said, "Wearing this jersey – I feel proud wearing it. It comes with a lot. Baseball is the craziest game in the world. It really is. Sometimes it’s unexplainable" [3]. His father Clay Bellinger added, "Just being able to hang out and watching him win an award, it’s pretty cool" [3].
