Jarren Duran didn’t just participate in the first MLB All-Star Game of his career Tuesday night.
The Red Sox outfielder stole the show.
An American League reserve player voted in by his peers, Duran entered the Midsummer Classic at Globe Life Field in the fifth inning when he replaced Aaron Judge in center field. After patrolling the grass for the top half of the frame, Duran broke a 3-3 tie in the bottom half when he walloped a two-run home run off Cincinnati Reds fireballer Hunter Greene.
Those runs proved to be all the Junior Circut needed to win the star-studded showdown, and Duran was named All-Star Game MVP for his game-changing blast. The 27-year-old was caught in a whirlwind of emotion after the contest, and he knew shuteye might be tough to come by.
“I’m just very thankful. It’s hard to put into words,” Duran told reporters, per The Boston Globe. “It won’t hit me until I try to go to sleep tonight. Who knows if I’ll be able to sleep tonight?”
Duran became the first Red Sox player since 2008 (J.D. Drew) to win All-Star Game MVP. He now will turn the page and refocus on trying to help Boston rack up wins as the club stages an unexpected playoff pursuit.
The Red Sox will begin the unofficial second half of the regular season Friday when they open a three-game set in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.
