Cincinnati Reds: Scooter Gennett goes deep in All-Star Game

The 89th MLB All-Star Game did not disappoint. Scooter Gennett sent the game into extra innings. The Cincinnati Reds second baseman hit a two-run blast in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The 89th MLB All-Star Game did not disappoint. With the National League trailing the American League 5-3, NL manager Dave Roberts decided to pinch hit for Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies. Cincinnati Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett sent the game into extra innings with a two-run blast in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The previous home run record for the All-Star Game was six, set back in 1971. Former Reds’ great and Hall of Famer Johnny Bench was part of the group that sent a barrage of baseballs out of Tigers Stadium during the Midsummer Classic that evening.

Gennett became part of history last night in Washington D.C. when the Reds’ All-Star lifted the ball deep to right field and over the wall to tie the game at 5 apiece. Joey Votto led off the bottom of the 10th inning with a home run as well. Unfortunately for the National League, they were trailing 5-8 at the time and Votto’s homer was the all the NL could muster. The American League won the 2018 All-Star Game 8-6.

Oddly enough, Votto played a role in Gennett’s heroics. With one out in the top of the eighth inning, Votto chased a foul ball toward the National League dugout. As he drifted to his left and reached over the railing, the ball bounced out of Votto’s glove. A visibly upset Joey Votto was charged with an error on the play.

On the next pitch, Brewers’ relief pitcher Josh Hader surrendered a three-run shot to Seattle’s Jean Segura. Segura’s big fly to left-center field scored George Springer and former Cincinnati Red Shin-Soo Choo.

All three of the Reds’ All-Stars reached base during the game. Eugenio Suarez was hit by a pitch during the bottom of the seventh inning. With the game tied 2-2, Suarez advanced to second base on a wild pitch. Jesus Aguilar, pinch-hitting for Yadier Molina, couldn’t bring Suarez home and popped out Indians’ shortstop Francisco Lindor leaving Suarez stranded on base.

Next: What can Reds' fans expect in the second half of the season?

Overall it was a great showing by the Cincinnati Reds during the 89th MLB All-Star Game. Votto’s gaffe provided an opportunity for Gennett to be the hero. However, the National League fell just short during their comeback attempt. Next year’s All-Star Game will take place just up the road in Cleveland. Maybe the Reds can get four players to the Midsummer Classic next season.