In case you missed it, the National League defeated the American League 8-0 in the 2012 MLB All-Star Game Tuesday night, winning home-field advantage in the World Series for the N.L. That means that, if you like, you can half-joke about the Pirates getting home-field advantage.
The N.L. whipped up on Justin Verlander in the first, with a five-run inning keyed by a bases-clearing triple by Pablo Sandoval. Then, against Matt Harrison in the fourth, Melky Cabrera crushed a two-run homer as part of a three-run inning.
The Pirates' representatives, Andrew McCutchen and Joel Hanrahan, entered the game after that. McCutchen went 1-for-2 with a single and a groundout. (He nearly had an infield single on the second play, but was out after a great throw by Elvis Andrus.)
Hanrahan pitched to one batter in the ninth. I was faintly embarrassed that he was there, given that he's had an erratic season and probably about a dozen Pirates have been more crucial to the team's success. He was plainly excited in his appearance, and didn't have much control, leading to a wild pitch. But he was throwing 98 MPH, and his only batter faced, Billy Butler, struck out.
For more on the All-Star Game, check out Baseball Nation.