Mike Trout once again shines in MLB All-Star Game

WASHINGTON — Until the fifth inning Tuesday, Jose Altuve had gone 0-for-10 in his six All-Star Games, a quirky and puzzling stat for a player who has led the American League in hits each of the last four years and ranks at the top again this season.

Perhaps he should have consulted with Mike Trout.

The Los Angeles Angels superstar had another typically outstanding game
among baseball’s best, working Max Scherzer for a first-inning walk then touching hard-throwing Jacob deGrom for a homer as the American League went on to post an 8-6 victory in 10 innings.

Trout’s second home run in 15 All-Star Game at-bats – and his fifth extra-base hit – put him in select company. Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle and Al Kaline are the only other players to homer twice in these showcases before age 27.

“I did not know that,’’ said Trout, who turns 27 on Aug. 7. “It’s a fun game. It’s
fun for the fans. It’s an honor to be voted in. You’re playing against the best and get to compete.’’

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Even though the game doesn’t decide homefield advantage in the World Series
anymore, players still care about doing well, especially in front of the home crowd.
That was the scenario for Nationals ace Scherzer, the NL starter.

Pumping fastballs up to 98 mph, Scherzer struck out the game’s first two batters,
Mookie Betts and Altuve, before Trout coaxed an eight-pitch walk in a riveting
confrontation.

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Trout has gone 3-for-16 in his career against the three-time Cy Young Award winner, and both cherished the matchup.

“It was a battle. I knew it coming in,” said Trout, who has a .467 average in six All-Star Games. “When it got to 3-2, hearing the crowd cheering Scherzer, I was getting chills. It was a great experience. He’s a competitor, I’m a competitor. We’re just battling.’’

Scherzer, who became the fourth pitcher in the last 20 years to fan four batters in an All-Star Game, badly wanted to strike out the side. 

“I was pumped. The adrenaline was flowing,’’ he said. “I really wanted to strike him out. I was throwing pitches I thought that I could get it. He put a great battle on me and, unfortunately, I walked him. I’d love to do it again.”

For Altuve, just getting that first ASG base knock – a single to right-center in the fifth off Aaron Nola – was a major thrill, one he compared to notching his first hit in the majors. Altuve’s Astros teammates exploded in glee, and George Springer made sure to secure the ball.

Trout was happy for him as well. Playing frequently against each other in the AL West and even wearing the same jersey number, 27, Altuve and Trout have developed a friendship and enjoy sharing time at these events.

Tuesday was no exception.

“Wherever he goes he does something impressive,’’ Altuve said of Trout. “To me he’s the best player in the big leagues. I feel fortunate to be able to see him up close on a day like today.”