Jarren Duran built on his strong first half on Tuesday night, earning the All-Star Game MVP honours after going 1-for-2 with a go-ahead home run.
The Boston Red Sox outfielder stepped to the plate with the score even in the fifth inning and launched a 413-foot bomb into the bleachers off Cincinnati Reds righty Hunter Greene.
Duran’s homer would prove to make the difference in the game, as the American League bullpen locked down over the final four innings to lift the junior circuit to a 5-3 win.
The 27-year-old Duran is having a career year for Boston, slashing .283/.342/.476 with 10 home runs, 27 doubles, 10 triples, 62 runs scored and 22 stolen bases.
Originally a seventh-round pick by Boston in 2018, Duran was making his All-Star debut Tuesday night in Texas. His emergence this season has played a big part in the Red Sox finding their way back into playoff contention.
Duran becomes the fifth Red Sox to ever be named All-Star Game MVP, joining J.D. Drew (2008), Pedro Martinez (1999), Roger Clemens (1986) and Carl Yastrzemski (1970).
