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Eric Hosmer wins All-Star Game MVP in 4-2 American League win

The Royals shine in the Midsummer Classic.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Hosmer went 2-for-3 with a home run and 2 RBI to become the first Royals player since Bo Jackson in 1989 to win All-Star Game MVP honors. The game was dominated by outstanding Royals performances as Salvador Perez added a home run and Kelvin Herrera pitched a perfect sixth inning. Hosmer was making his first All-Star appearance after getting voted in at first base by the fans.

The National League, playing as the road team since they were the home team last year, got on the board first on a solo home run by Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant off White Sox pitcher Chris Sale in the first inning. Hosmer would tie the game in the second with a solo home run off former Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto to make it 1-1.

Hosmer was visibly pumped, yelling at his manager, Ned Yost.

"We’ve been on a big stage before!" Hosmer said, looking back toward Yost. "We’ve been here before. We’ve been on a stage before!"

After a single by Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts, Salvador Perez would launch a two-run home run to give the American League the lead for good.

Hosmer wasn't quite done however. In the third, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz walked, then was pulled from the game for a pinch-runner to a standing ovation. Boston shortstop Xander Bogaerts doubled, bringing up Hos. Eric Hosmer rose to the occasion again with a sharp single off the glove of Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant to drive in a run.

National League manager Terry Collins, who faced Hosmer and the Royals in last year's World Series, as not thrilled to get beat once again by the first baseman.

"I'm tired of seeing [expletive] Eric Hosmer getting a big hit. [expletive] sick of it."

Yost brought in reliever Kelvin Herrera for the sixth inning, and he retired three National Leaguers in a flash. Reds outfielder Jay Bruce struck out, Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera flied out, and Reds first baseman Adam Duvall tapped out to the catcher for a perfect inning for Kelvin Herrera.

The National League would squander ten hits and two walks and lose 4-2 to the American League, giving the Junior Circuit home field advantage in this year's World Series. After the game, Eric Hosmer was awarded All-Star Game MVP, and was given the choice of receiving either a Chevy Camaro or a black Chevy truck. Hosmer chose the truck.