Toronto Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ sat in the dugout for most of the 2018 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night. He didn't receive the starting nod, and instead watched the innings pass as the American League built a sizable lead over the National League.
When Cincinnati Reds' second baseman Scooter Gennett hit the game's fourth home run to tie the game up, Happ was sent to the bullpen. Happ's chances of entering the game grew significantly when the game went into extra innings. The AL added three runs in the top of the tenth inning, which opened the door for Happ to record his first save of his MLB career.
It didn't start out well for Happ, as Toronto native Joey Votto sent the Blue Jays' hurler's first pitch over the outfield wall at Nationals Park. Votto became the first Canadian born player to homer in an All-Star Game, on the same night he became Canada's most decorated All-Star.
In 272 @MLB games, J.A. Happ had NEVER recorded a save.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 18, 2018
That changed in his 1st @AllStarGame!#AllStarGame | #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/flAfLY3BgS
It wasn't an ideal beginning for Happ, but the All-Star Game debutant settled down. The Toronto ace set aside the following three batters in 11 pitches to secure the 8-6 win for the American League.
The Blue Jays resume the regular season on Friday when they take on the Baltimore Orioles, who are likely going to be without star Manny Machado moving forward.