Yordan Alvarez Takes the All-Star Stage and Delivers for the American League

Yordan Alvarez took the field to represent the Houston Astros in the All-Star Game for the American League Tuesday night in Philadelphia. Like many players, he was booed by the crowd. Typical Philadelphia treatment.

Alvarez had the well-deserved honor of being the starting designated hitter, batting second in the lineup. After being booed during pregame introductions, Alvarez ripped a single up the middle in the top of the first off Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez. The best hitter in baseball showing up right away for Houston and the American League.

Sánchez had just struck out Mike Trout to open the game, but Alvarez changed the tone immediately. Alvarez stepped up to the plate with a .318 batting average and made it count, hitting the ball 90.9 mph off the bat.

Classic Alvarez getting the first base hit of the entire All-Star Game. After Alvarez reached, Sánchez walked two batters before giving up RBI singles to Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice of the Yankees, putting the National League in a 3-0 hole right away.

He only had two at-bats in the whole game, and the second one was a flyout to end the inning. It was not a flashy night, but the best hitter in baseball made his presence felt and not everyone can say that about their All-Star appearance.

Yordan Alvarez proving he belongs right away, getting on base and coming home for the first run of the game, helping the American League get on the board in the top of the first. The AL went on to win 4-0.