After nearly 5 hours and 15 innings, and in front of barely 20,000 fans, a clock crawling towards 2 a.m. and a very nervous Bud Selig, the American League finally won its 11th straight All-Star game Wednesday morning.

While much of the game had unprecedented defense, second-time All-Star Dan Uggla and first-timer Edinson Volquez turned in forgettable performances for the National League. Volquez gave up a game-tying home run to game M.V.P. J.D. Drew and Uggla committed an All-Star game record 3 errors and was overmatched at the plate, striking out 3 times and rolling weakly into a double play.

It’s hard to blame him, though, as the pitching of both leagues was dominant and provided some evidence to the theory that good pitching will always beat good hitting. Orioles closer George Sherrill threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings after throwing no more than one in any game this year. N.L. starter Ben Sheets and A.L. starter Cliff Lee both struck out 3 and gave up only 1 hit in two scoreless innings. Their performances and those of most of the 21 other pitchers should propel them into the second half.

This, the 79th All-Star Game, set a record for most strikeouts, 34, and most runners left on base, 28. Pirates outfielder Nate McClouth became the first outfielder to throw out the winning run at home plate, Aaron Cook became the first pitcher to escape after loading the bases with no outs in extra innings, and Scott Kazmir, the last available A.L. pitcher, on 2 days rest after throwing 104 pitches Sunday and expecting not to pitch, was the winning pitcher. Only fitting. 

Dave DeIuliis will be a senior at Penn State’s School of Journalism. He can be reached at dmd5042@psu.edu.