Logan Webb’s first MLB All-Star Game didn’t go as planned.
The 27-year-old wasted an early 3-0 lead for the National League in the first Midsummer Classic of his career, allowing three hits, one walk and three earned runs in one inning pitched in the top of the third inning for the American League. 5-3 victory over the National League Tuesday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Webb spoke about his experience and why coming out of the bullpen instead of starting threw him off his game.
“The first innings is usually the worst inning,” Webb said. He told the San Francisco Chronicle“It was different coming out of the bullpen instead of starting. Max Fried and I were talking about it after the game. I played some catch, sat down and then got my speed up again. I think I wasted a few bullets in the bullpen. I think if I’d just pitched the way I did in the bullpen I think I would have had a little better result.”
“But it was a fun experience. It was great. Hopefully there will be a next time. I’ll come back and redeem myself.”
One of the three batters Webb retired was New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who grounded out to third base on a 3-2 sweeper.
“It was nice to get Aaron out, that’s for sure,” Webb added. “It was fun.”
Webb said he texted Judge on Monday to “go easy on him,” to which Judge responded by predicting he would ground out to the Giants’ ace. After Tuesday’s game, Judge did exactly what he predicted, then sent Webb a “I told you so”-type message.
“I threw a fastball up the middle on 3-1 and I thought, ‘Whoa, this might have some distance,'” Webb said of facing Judge. “He whiffed and then I threw a slider on 3-2. It’s always fun facing him. I’m happy I was able to get him out and end the inning.”
Giants outfielder Helio Ramos also made his All-Star Game debut, playing right field in the bottom of the sixth inning, but struck out in his only at-bat in the top of the eighth.
“I wanted to tank,” Ramos said of his aggressive at-bat, “Yeah, but this is the All-Star Game.”
Overall, it wasn’t what either Ramos or Webb had hoped for, but both understandably cherished their first All-Star Game experience.
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