Cody Bellinger secured the MLB All-Star Game MVP before the National League even got a chance to bat.
The New York Yankees outfielder was presented with the award after driving home the game’s winning runs by knocking a two-run single up the middle with the bases loaded in the top of the first inning.
The American League went on to shut out the Senior Circuit 4-0.
It was a collective effort, as 11 pitchers combined to record 27 outs while allowing only three hits and two walks. The NL struck out an All-Star Game record 15 times, and AL Starter Dylan Cease had a team-high three strikeouts, setting down all three hitters he faced in the first inning.
Bellinger, a former National League MVP, was awarded All-Star Game MVP for the first time in his third appearance in the Midsummer Classic.
The 31-year-old made outs in his other two at-bats — a first-pitch fly out and a hard-hit line out.
But in baseball, often referred to as a “game of failure,” one out of three is enough for an MVP.