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Senior Circuit holds on to win
American League ninth inning rally falls short
July 7, 1998
PHOENIX - The National League All Star team squeaked out a 6-5 win over their American League counterparts at Bank One Ballpark tonight.
The two All Star squads matched one another in hits with eight each, but the National League jumped out to a 6-0 lead after five innings, and went into the ninth inning with a 6-1 advantage.
Scott Karl took over on the mound for the National League in the ninth inning, working with a five-run lead. After retiring Alex Rodriguez on a flyball to left field, Karl gave up a single to Rafael Palmeiro, walked Rusty Greer and gave up a single to Robin Ventura. With the potential tying run in the on deck circle, Karl was relieved by closer Rod Beck of the Giants to face power hitter Mark McGwire of the Oakland A's.
Beck fell behind, 2-1, before McGwire unleashed a 474-foot flyball to left field for a Grand Slam, putting the American League within one run of the Senior Circuit. Beck buckled down and struck out Chris Hoiles and John Jaha to retire the side and end the threat, securing the National League's victory.
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