Clippard does his job, puts out fire in fifth inning (AL wins 5-3)

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

July 15, 2014, 6:47pm

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Nationals right-hander Tyler Clippard got his chance to pitch in his second All-Star Game in the fifth inning tonight at Target Field in Minneapolis. He was able to put out a fire started by Cardinals right-hander Pat Neshek.

With the game tied 3-3 in the bottom of the fifth, Neshek allowed a run-scoring double by Mike Trout that scored former Nationals prospect and current Athletics catcher Derek Norris and gave the American League a one-run lead.

Clippard relieved Neshek and recorded two outs to keep the National League in the game.

Clippard got Jose Altuve to hit a sacrifice fly RBI to left field for a 5-3 American League lead. He then was able to induce a fly ball to center field from Miguel Cabrera, who had earlier hit a two-run homer, capping an eight-pitch at-bat. It was the third out of the inning and after five, the American League led 5-3.

Clippard recorded two outs and gave up no hits, no runs, no walks and did not strike out a batter. He threw 11 pitches, eight for strikes. Milwaukee closer Francisco Rodriguez relieved for the NL in the sixth.

In two All-Star Games in 2011 and 2014, Clippard has now pitched one inning, allowing one hit, no runs, no walks and has not struck out a batter for a 1-0 record with a 0.00 ERA.

Update: The American League wins 5-3 in the All-Star Game, with Neshek taking the loss.