SEATTLE — The Mets’ biggest contribution to the All-Star Game came from Pete Alonso’s glove.
The first baseman made a fine selection to complete a double play, while Mets teammate Kodai Senga elected not to pitch in the National League’s 3-2 win over the MLS at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday night.
Alonso entered the seventh inning, when he struck out against the Tigers’ Michael Lorenzen. Alonso also later pitched a swing against Pablo Lopez of the Twins.
Although Alonso is known more for his hitting, he has shown vastly improved fielding acumen since his early days as a volunteer.
With a runner on first and one out in the eighth inning and the NL leading 3-2, Athletics’ Brent Rucker hit a ball to third base.
The Braves’ Austin Riley caught him and quickly threw first.
Riley bounced off the layup, bringing Alonso to the field, but he smoothly singled off White Merrifield’s double off the Blue Jays, who had hit a leadoff single on first out.
“I’m proud of all aspects of my game – running the bases well, playing good defense and hitting the ball,” Alonso said after his third All-Star game. “So that was really cool. Riles put on a great play there, and I was glad I was able to grab him.”
A late addition to the roster, Senga said the late-game notice put him out of contention and onto the court.
Additionally, he places more value on his regular season innings.
“My big goal was to stay in the rotation the entire year without getting injured,” Senga said through interpreter Hiro Fujiwara. “And that’s still my goal, and that’s what I’m trying to focus on this season.”
Senga said he is hopeful, though, of opportunities to advance to the next All-Star Games.
“I want to be the kind of pitcher where other people, other players say, yeah, Singa is definitely an All-Star,” Singa said.
One of the most tempting potential reducers on the trade block does not want to be dealt with.
Pirates closer David Bednar, who was selected to his second consecutive All-Star game, but didn’t play, is often traded in trade rumors because he’s a tough, controllable guy at a club that can sell on deadline.
Pittsburgh was 20-9 at the end of April before quickly falling off a cliff, and Bednar is hopeful the club can get back into contention before the trade deadline.
“It’s frustrating for sure, but more than just the fact that we’re not playing as well as we know we’re capable of. … We know that’s in the bag and we have that [in us]Bednar said this week. “We are a good team, we just need to start playing like this again and get the ball back.”
The Pirates entered halftime 41-49, after eight games of a wild card spot.
Bednar is a popular 28-year-old Pittsburgh native who enjoys life in his hometown.
He tried to ignore the rumors that had spread.
“I love Pittsburgh. He will be eligible for arbitration for the first time this off-season, said Bednar. “I don’t think I can say it enough what it means to me and how fun it will be when we win in Pittsburgh.”
Bednar had 17 saves in the first inning, posting a 1.27 ERA with a 0.96 WHIP and 42 strikeouts in 35 ⁄ innings.
Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano left the game after five pitches with what AL manager Dusty Baker described as tightness in his lower back.
NL manager Rob Thomson used the All-Braves in the fifth inning, with (third to first) Riley, Orlando Arcia, Ozzie Albies, and Matt Olson.
Singa walked the red carpet before the match wearing a white T-shirt under a gray jacket.
His look was less expressive than that of fellow Mets star Marty, who was an All-Star last year and showed off his body under his jacket.
“We were actually talking about that last week,” Singa said. “Jeff McNeil was saying something like if you’re a Mets player and you get selected to the All-Star team, you have to do it. And Jeff was like, ‘But I think Pete has it down.'”
Alonso couldn’t beat 41 Mariners hit Julio Rodriguez Monday night to knock out the Mets star from the Home Run Derby.
“It was amazing,” said Alonso. “There’s a reason this hasn’t been done at Home Run Derby before.”
