July 10

The Astros get a walk-off win on a ball that barely travels two feet. With runners on first and second and one out in the 11th after the Astros have just tied the score at 5-all against the Athletics, Alex Bregman taps a ball that bounces off home plate, briefly rolls foul, before returning to fair territory. C Jonathan Lucroy picks it up and attempts to tag Bregman, who has not moved yet, but he somehow drops the ball. He then throws to 1B but his relay glances off Bregman’s helmet and past 1B Mark Canha, allowing Kyle Tucker to score the winning run from second base. “I think it was the softest ball anyone’s ever hit,” Bregman reflects after the bizarre play.

Not to be outdone, the Indians lose a game on a strange 9th-inning managerial gaffe. They lead the Reds, 4 – 0, coming into the top of the 9th, after a brilliant start by Trevor Bauer, but closer Cody Allen gives up 4 runs and loads the bases with two outs, prompting manager Terry Francona to call in lefty Oliver Perez to face Joey Votto. Trouble is, its not Perez who’s been warming up, but righty Dan Otero, the result of a miscommunication with pitching coach Carl Willis: Francona asked to get “OP” warmed up, whereas Willis understood “OT” (Otero’s nickname). Given a favorable match-up, Votto lines a 3-2 pitch into right-center field to clear the bases and send Cincinnati on its way to a 7 – 4 win.

The World Team wins the 2016 Futures Game, 11 – 3, snapping a streak of six straight wins by the US Team. Yoan Moncada hits a two-run homer off Anthony Banda in the 8th to put the World Team ahead and win the Larry Doby Award as the game’s MVP. Eloy Jimenez adds a three-run shot in a seven-run 9th inning.

Madison Bumgarner pitches a one-hitter while striking out 14 on the last day of games before the All-Star break to lead the Giants to a 4 – 0 win over Arizona. Jake Lamb’s 8th-inning single is the only safety for the Diamondbacks.

2015 – Brian Dozier hits a three-run homer to cap a seven-run 9th inning and lead the Twins to an 8 – 6 win over the Tigers. The Twins are held to one run over the first 8 innings by Justin Verlander, who is still winless on the year, but explode against relievers Joakim Soria and Bruce Rondon.

Chicago wins the All-Star Game’s Final Man Vote as P Chris Sale of the White Sox is the top vote-getter in the American League, and 1B Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs does the same in the National League.

The Cardinals record a very rare putout in the 6th inning of their game against the Pirates. With two men on and P Edinson Volquez attempting a bunt, the Cardinals defend the play by having their two corner infielders rush towards the batter, while the SS covers third base and the 2B goes to first base. However, when Volquez pops up the ball towards the third base line and does not immediately run, 3B Matt Carpenter sees an opening for a potential double play and lets the ball drop, then throws to second base, forgetting that it is uncovered. But a heads-up play by CF Jon Jay results in a 5-8 putout at second, as he picks up the throw, then runs to the second base bag ahead of the runner for the out. However, the Pirates still manage to score 5 runs in the inning, on their way to a 9 – 1 win.

David Ortiz of the Red Sox becomes the all-time hit leader as a designated hitter when his 2nd-inning double gives him 1,689 safeties, breaking the mark held by Harold Baines. Big Papi then adds a two-run homer in the 3rd, his 8th hit in 9 at-bats, giving further evidence that he will add plenty more hits to the record before he’s done. Boston defeats Seattle, 11 – 4.

The National League romps past the American League, 8 – 0, in the 2012 All-Star Game, for its third straight All-Star Game win. 11 pitchers combine on a six-hitter, with starter Matt Cain getting the win. Melky Cabrera hits a two-run homer and is named the game’s MVP, while a third member of the Giants, Pablo Sandoval, cracks a three-run triple in the 1st. AL starter Justin Verlander is shellacked for five runs in that opening frame.