In Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game, Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Díaz delivered a crucial two-run home run off Baltimore Orioles closer Félix Bautista during the eighth inning, propelling the National League to a highly anticipated 3-2 victory. Prior to this game, the American League had displayed dominance in the Midseason Classic, winning nine consecutive games and boasting an impressive record of 21-4-1 since 1996.
Díaz's powerful shot to left field not only secured the win but also brought home fellow All-Star Nick Castellanos from the Philadelphia Phillies. The energetic sellout crowd of 47,159 at T-Mobile Park witnessed this exhilarating moment as the National League won its first All-Star game since 2012, ending a streak of 9 consecutive victories for the American League.
Fans took to Twitter to celebrate the result:
Some fans on social media attributed the success of the National League to the coaching staff.
Fans react to unexpected MVP
What prompted the biggest reaction on social media, however, was the fact that the relatively unknown Elias Díaz managed to turn the game on its head and win MVP. Prior to his exceptional performance in the All-Star Game, Díaz had already achieved a significant milestone by being selected to the National League (NL) roster. Fans both appreciated his contribution while also re-iterating how unexpected an outcome this was.
His inclusion marked the first time in history that a Rockies catcher had been chosen for an All-Star team. Now, Díaz has further solidified his place in Colorado Rockies history by becoming the first player from the franchise to be awarded the prestigious MVP honours at the Midsummer Classic. With this achievement, the Colorado Rockies join the ranks of the 26 unique franchises that have produced an MVP at the All-Star Game.
