MLB All-Star Game 2012: The National League Steamrolls To A Win

This one was never even a contest. The National League dominated from the start, scoring five times in the first inning of the 2012 All-Star Game in Kansas City and winning 8-0. The margin was the NL's largest in the history of the Midsummer Classic.

The NL hammered reigning American League Cy Young and MVP Justin Verlander, who looked extremely mediocre Tuesday night.

In the pivotal first inning, Pablo Sandoval blew the game open with a three-run triple. Believe it or not, that's the first time in All-Star game history that a triple has been hit with the bases loaded.

One of the big story lines before the game was Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants getting the starting nob instead of New York Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey, but it ended up being a non-issue. Both pitched very effectively for manager Tony La Russa, who just adds another win to his resume.

Melky Cabrera was named the MVP, going 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and two runs scored in the win.

As for the Philadelphia Phillies in the game, Cole Hamels pitched a scoreless inning while Carlos Ruiz went hitless in one at-bat. Jonathan Papelbon also recorded the final out.

Once again, the National League will have home-field advantage in the World Series come October

For more on the 2012 All-Star Game, please be sure to check out our blog The Good Phight and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates..

2012 MLB All-Star Game: Cole Hamels, Carlos Ruiz And NL Roll, 8-0, Over AL Tuesday Night

The National League dominated the American League, 8-0, during Tuesday night's 2012 MLB All-Star Game in Kansas City. Cole Hamels and Carlos Ruiz both saw the field for the Philadelphia Phillies. Hamels stepped onto the mound in the seventh inning in relief of R.A. Dickey. He faced the bottom of order, retiring Bill Butler (grounded out), Matt Wieters (flied out) and Adam Jones (ground out) for no runs, no hits, no walks and no strikeouts.

Ruiz went 0-for-1 from the plate, flying out on a 1-1 pitch off Ryan Cook in the seventh inning. Ruiz replaced starter Buster Posey to catch Dickey and his knuckle ball in the sixth.

AL starter Justin Verlander was designated with the loss after giving up five runs off four hits and two walks during his one-inning stint on the mound. NL starter Matt Cain was given the win for giving up just one hit and striking out one in his two innings. Melky Cabrera took home MVP honors after going 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs on the night.

For more on the All-Star Game, please be sure to check out our blog The Good Phight, SB Nation and SB Nation Philly.

MLB All-Star Game 2012: Lineup, TV Schedule, Streaming And More

For the 83rd time in MLB history, the American League and Nation League will square off Tuesday during the 2012 edition of the MLB All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. Starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on Fox, the AL and NL will try and win home-field advantage for its league's respective champions. The NL is trying to collect its third straight victory, while the AL want to get back to it usual winning ways -- from '97-09, the AL didn't lose.

On the mound, Justin Verlander (9-5, 2.58 ERA) of the Detroit Tigers will take the ball for the AL and oppose the NL's Matt Cain (9-3, 2.62 ERA) of the San Francisco Giants.

Here's a look at the starting lineups:

American League:

1. Derek Jeter, Yankees, SS

2. Robinson Cano, Yankees, 2B

3. Josh Hamilton, Rangers, LF

4. Jose Bautista, Blue Jays, RF

5. Prince Fielder, Tigers, 1B

6. Adrian Beltre, Rangers, 3B

7. David Ortiz, Red Sox, DH

8. Mike Napoli, Rangers, C

9. Curtis Granderson, Yankees, CF

National League

1. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies, DH

2. Melky Cabrera, Giants, CF

3. Ryan Braun, Brewers, LF

4. Joey Votto, Reds, 1B

5. Carlos Beltran, Cardinals, RF

6. Buster Posey, Giants, C

7. Pedro Sandoval, Giants, 3B

8. Dan Uggla, Braves, 2B

9. Rafael Furcal, Cardinals, SS

For more on the Home Run Derby, please be sure to check out our blog The Good Phight, SB Nation and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

MLB Home Run Derby 2012: Prince Fielder Wins Title Over Jose Bautista

Prince Fielder won the 2012 MLB Home Run Derby on Monday night, belting 12 home runs in the final round to take the title over Jose Bautista. Fielder also won the competition in 2009.

The American League dominated the competition. The Top 3 players after Round 2 were all from the AL. Bautista was tied with Mark Trumbo after two rounds at 13 home runs apiece. Bautista won a swing-off to advance to the finals.

Carlos Beltran of the St. Louis Cardinals was the National League's only representative to advance to the second round. He finished with 12 total homers. NL captain Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers was eliminated in the first round after hitting just one home run. Carlos Gonzalez and Andrew McCutchen hit four homers apiece.

For more on the Home Run Derby, please be sure to check out our blog The Good Phight, SB Nation and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

2012 MLB All-Star Game: Carlos Ruiz To Catch For Mets Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey

Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz was one of three Phils to be named to the 2012 MLB All-Star game. National League manager Tony La Russa has decided to give Ruiz a special assignment: catch right-handed knuckleball pitcher R.A. Dickey (via Philly.com).

Dickey will pitch as a reliever so he and Ruiz won't enter the game until at least the fifth or sixth inning. When Ruiz lines up behind the plate, it will be the first time in his career that he's tried to catch a major league knuckleball. Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer has some experience with Dickey's speedier version of the pitch and said, "I know when R.A. came over, he gave me some pointers. I'm sure he's talking with Ruiz. It could be a little nerve-wracking, especially when guys get on base."

For more on the All-Star Game, please be sure to check out The Good Phight and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

Home Run Derby 2012: Lineup, TV Schedule, Start Time And More

The 2012 Home Run Derby will captivate much of the nation on Monday evening as eight of the great stars in baseball come together in Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium.

Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers and 2011 derby champ Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees were chosen as captains for their respective leagues. They have each chosen three players to help them represent what both undoubtedly feel is the superior circuit.

Cano has an absolutely loaded squad with Prince Fielder of the Detroit Tigers, Mark Trumbo of theLos Angeles Angels, and Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays. The firepower that Mr. Cano is bringing to the table is favored by many to take the day.

However, Kemp has taken on the likes of Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran and Carlos Gonzalez of the Colorado Rockies. Without question the NL team will provide stiff competition.

The rules are simple: each player gets 10 outs (any pitch swung at that isn't a home run). The top four totals will move on from the first round, then the top two combined totals will go into the finals, where the slate is wiped clean and the best round wins it all.

TV: ESPN

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

For more on the Home Run Derby, please be sure to check out our blog The Good Phight, SB Nation and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

All-Star Futures Game 2012: United States 17, World 5

The United States Futures ran away with the 2012 All-Star Futures Game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City with a 17-5 defeat of the World Futures.

The U.S. traded blows with the World squad for the first four innings before taking complete control in the bottom of the sixth, scoring nine runs. After falling behind 4-0 after two and a half innings, the U.S. came back to tie it up in the bottom half of the third.

From that point on, the U.S. owned the night with ample help from Nick Castellanos. The Detroit Tigers prospect made quick work of World pitching, going 3 for 4 with a 3-run home run, scoring three times and tallying three RBI.

Kansas City Royals prospect Wil Myers also added three RBI while Jonathan Singleton had three hits and scored twice.

The only Philadelphia Phillies minor leaguer to see action was Julio Rodriguez who pitched in relief, surrendering two earned runs in an inning.

Ariel Pena had what you would call an off night. Pena pitched one-third of an inning and was battered for eight earned runs, giving him an ERA of 216.00.

The All-Star contests will continue tomorrow with the Home Run Derby with the Midsummer Classic coming on Tuesday.

For more on the All-Star Game, please be sure to check out The Good Phight and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.

2012 MLB Futures Game: Rosters, TV Schedule, Start Time And More

The MLB All-Star Week officially starts Sunday, as the 2012 MLB Futures Game will take place at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. Starting at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN 2 or MLB.TV, the MLB's top prospects will be showcased in an exhibition game that will pit Team USA against Team World.

For those Philadelphia Phillies fans looking for a rooting interesting in the game, Team Wolrd will feature two Philly prospects -- pitchers Lisalverto Bonilla and Julio Rodriguez. Currently, both players are playing for the Reading Phillies (Double-A) and are hoping to become future teammates with the Phillies.

Bonilla, a 22-year-old righty, has a 1.23 ERA and is 2-1, while Rodriguez, 21, is 5-2 with a 3.36 ERA. Both player will not start for Team World, but could see action later on in the game.

For a look at the complete rosters of the Future's Game, click here.

For more on the 2012 MLB All-Star game, stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on the Phillies, please be sure to check out our blog The Good Phight and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and notes.

MLB All-Star Weekend 2012: Schedule Of Events, TV Information

The Philadelphia Phillies will soon be at the MLB All-Star break. The Kansas City Royals will play host to All-Star Weekend at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

The Phillies will have three players in the All-Star game: Jonathan Papelbon, Cole Hamels and Carlos Ruiz. Papelbon is 2-3 on the season with a 3.45 ERA but has 18 saves in 20 opportunities. Hamels is 10-4 with a 3.20 ERA with 118 strikeouts in 118 innings. Ruiz is hitting .352 with 13 homers and 46 RBI.

Here is the complete schedule of the All-Star Weekend events:

Sunday July 8

SiriusXM Futures Game- 5 p.m. ET. on ESPN2

Monday July 9

State Farm Home Run Derby- 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrities Softball Game- 11 p.m. ESPN (Tape Delay)

Tuesday July 10

All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Chevrolet- 2 p.m. ET on MLB Network
83rd MLB All Star Game- 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX

For more on the 2012 MLB All-Star game, stay tuned to this StoryStream. For more on the Phillies, please be sure to check out our blog The Good Phight and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and notes.

MLB All-Star Game Voting Results: Phillies Get Three Players

The Philadelphia Phillies have been one of the most disappointing teams in baseball this season. While many expected a slow start from the club due to injuries, it wasn't thought the team would be in last place on July 2.

With all the disaster this year has brought upon Charlie Manuel and his team, the Phillies still managed to have three All-Star selections: Jonathan Papelbon, Cole Hamels and Carlos Ruiz.

Ruiz is the most surprising of the group but is very much the right pick. The 33-year-old catcher has been flat out incredible in 2012, batting .356 with 11 home runs and 43 RBI. As much as Philadelphia has struggled to score runs this season, just imagine how much worse off it would be without Ruiz.

Hamels, the latest source of trade rumors, has also been sublime. The lefty has a terrific 10-4 record and an ERA of 3.38. It's no surprise Hamels is putting it all together once again. He's really solidified himself as a true ace.

Last but not least, Papelbon has been very solid. The ex-Red Sox hasn't been dominating with an ERA slightly north of three, but with 18 saves on a last-place team it's hard to ignore that.

For more on the Phillies, please be sure to check out our blog The Good Phight and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and notes.

2012 MLB All-Star Game Roster: Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, Carlos Ruiz Earn Spots On NL Team