MLB All Star Game 2025: The 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta was a night to remember. Hosted by the Atlanta Braves on July 15, this 95th Midsummer Classic ended in a nail-biting 6-6 tie after nine innings, leading to the first-ever swing-off tiebreaker. The National League (NL) edged out the American League (AL) 4-3 in this dramatic showdown, thanks to a standout performance by Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. Let’s dive into the box score and unpack the highlights of this unforgettable game.
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A Fast Start for the National League
The game kicked off with a bang, as NL starter Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ flamethrowing rookie, set the tone with a 1-2-3 first inning, including two strikeouts at blistering speeds of 99.7 mph and 100.3 mph. The NL’s offense wasted no time, jumping on AL starter Tarik Skubal before he could record an out. Ketel Marte’s two-run double down the right-field line scored Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr., giving the NL an early 2-0 lead. The bats stayed quiet until the sixth inning when the NL erupted for four more runs. Pete Alonso crushed a three-run homer, and Corbin Carroll followed with a solo shot, pushing the NL to a commanding 6-0 lead. It looked like the NL was cruising to victory, but the AL had other plans.
The American League’s Gritty Comeback
Down 6-0 entering the seventh inning, the AL showed the heart of a champion. Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics sparked the rally with a three-run homer off Giants pitcher Randy Rodriguez, cutting the deficit to 6-3. The AL chipped away further in the eighth, with Maikel Garcia scoring on a Bobby Witt Jr. groundout after a stolen base and an error by Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman. The ninth inning brought pure drama. With the NL clinging to a 6-4 lead, Padres closer Robert Suarez allowed a one-out RBI double to Witt Jr., making it 6-5. NL manager Dave Roberts turned to Mets closer Edwin Díaz, but Cleveland’s Steven Kwan delivered a clutch infield single to score Witt Jr., tying the game at 6-6. Aroldis Chapman shut down the NL in the bottom of the ninth, setting the stage for the historic swing-off.
Kyle Schwarber Steals the Show in the Swing-Off
With the game knotted at 6-6, MLB’s new tiebreaker rule—a Home Run Derby-style swing-off—came into play. Each league sent three hitters to take three swings apiece, with the team hitting the most home runs declared the winner. The AL went first, with Brent Rooker smashing two homers and Randy Arozarena adding one, totaling three. The NL answered with Kyle Stowers hitting one homer, but it was Kyle Schwarber who became the hero. Swinging a new bat, Schwarber launched three home runs on three swings, securing a 4-3 swing-off victory for the NL. His clutch performance earned him the 2025 All-Star Game MVP award, making him the second Phillie in history to claim the honor, joining Johnny Callison from 1964. Schwarber’s heroics capped a night that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Standout Performances and a Nod to History
Beyond the swing-off, individual performances shone brightly. Skenes set a record for the fastest strikeout by an All-Star starter in the pitch-tracking era, while Skubal successfully used the new ABS challenge system to strike out Manny Machado. Clayton Kershaw, in his 11th All-Star appearance, pitched a scoreless second inning, earning a standing ovation. The game also featured a moving tribute to Hank Aaron between the sixth and seventh innings, with a light show and fireworks honoring his 715th home run, attended by his widow, Billye Aaron. The box score tells a story of power (six total home runs), speed (Garcia’s stolen base), and resilience (the AL’s comeback). The NL’s 45th All-Star win narrowed the AL’s all-time series lead to 48-45-2, marking their second victory in three years.
This game wasn’t just about stats—it was about creating memories. From Skenes’ electric start to Schwarber’s swing-off heroics, the 2025 All-Star Game delivered a box score for the ages. Next year, Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park hosts, and if Schwarber’s performance is any indication, the NL might just keep the momentum going.