Randy Arozarena, Adolis Garcia Open MLB All-Star Game With Back-to-Back Web Gems
The 2023 MLB All-Star Game nearly started with a pair of extra-base hits, but Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia and Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena had other plans.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. led off for the National League in the top of the first, and he launched the second pitch of the game deep to the right field warning track at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Garcia, who was staring straight into the sun, jumped into the wall and just barely managed to snag the ball.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman stepped into the batter's box next, and he similarly got a hold of a pitch from New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. Freeman's shot went to left, looking like it had a shot at clearing the fence, but Arozarena made a leaping catch of his own to erase the damage.
The third out of the inning was far less shocking, with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts' groundout to second ending the opening frame.
Garcia and Arozarena both participated in the Home Run Derby on Monday night. The two Cuban sluggers went head-to-head in the first round of the skills competition, and it was Arozarena who came out on top 24-17.
Arozarena made it all the way to the Home Run Derby finals before falling to Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
While Garcia is appearing in his second All-Star Game, Arozarena is playing in his first.
Arozarena is hitting .279 with 16 home runs, 58 RBI, 10 stolen bases and an .855 OPS so far in 2023. Garcia, meanwhile, is hitting .261 with 23 homers, 75 RBI, six stolen bases and an .848 OPS.
The American League currently leads the National League 1-0 in the top of the third. Arozarena's Rays teammate, third baseman Yandy Diaz, put the lone run on the board with a solo home run to left in the second.
The All-Star Game is currently airing on FOX.
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