With the final night of the MLB All-Star weekend, the MLB All-Star Game was nothing short of a spectacular closing to the events in Arlington, Texas. James Duran of the Boston Red Sox was named MVP, his first All-Star appearance that ended in a fantastic way.
Duran came into the game to replace New York Yankees’ own Aaron Judge in center field during the top of the fifth inning. It was at the bottom of the frame that Duran showed his prowess at-bat.
Facing off against Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene, Duran slammed a two-run home run into the stands behind right field to give the AL a 5-3 lead, which ended up being the final score of the game.
A seventh-round pick in the 2018 draft, Duran has suffered multiple injuries to pull through and become one of baseball’s most dynamic talents. A product of Long Beach State, Duran is batting .284 with an .820 OPS, coupled with premier defense and baserunning in 95 games. He currently leads the MLB with 10 triples and the AL with 27 doubles.
Duran is the first Red Sox player to have a home run in the All-Star Game since 2011 with Adrian Gonzalez.
It was this homer that earned Duran the All-Star MVP, becoming the fifth Red Sox player to win the award since its institution in 1962.
“I’m just very thankful,” Duran said after winning the coveted award. “It’s hard to put into words. It won’t hit me until I try to go to sleep tonight. Who knows if I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”
Duran and the Red Sox are currently 53-42 for the year, and are currently 4.5 games behind division leader Baltimore Orioles, still within reach for a first seed finish.
