We'll start at the end, since that's where what really matters, from a historic perspective, happened. It began in the middle with Neil Diamond embarrassing himself with a rendition of "Sweet Caroline," but then future Hall of Famer and the greatest closer ever Mariano Rivera stepped in. Yes, in the eighth, not his typical ninth, but AL manager Jim Leyland wanted to guarantee that got the chance to pitch, rather than leaving the AL lead and Rivera's last opportunity to pitch to chance.
MLB All-Star Game: American League adds a run, Mariano Rivera pitches
It wasn’t a save situation, but Mo Rivera got his opportunity in his final All-Star game after the AL added a run.
Mike Ehrmann
It wasn't a save, but he made it count nonetheless, and managed to hold on to the American League's 3-0 lead by retiring Jean Segura, pinch-hitter Allen Craig, and Carlos Gomez in order.
The AL All-Stars pushed their lead to three a half-inning earlier thanks to Cleveland Indians' second baseman Jason Kipnis, who made his presence felt with an RBI double off of Braves' closer Craig Kimbrel. It was of the ground rule variety, and pushed Royals' catcher Salvador Perez across the plate. Perez would then catch Mo Rivera, which seems like the kind of thing catching Greg Holland has been preparing him to do.
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