MLB All-Star Game: National vs. American

National League (40-38-2) at American League (38-40-2)

David Price (12-4, 2.42 ERA) vs. Ubaldo Jimenez (15-1, 2.20 ERA)

Time: 8:00, Angels Stadium of Anaheim 
Weather: Sunny, 77
TV: Fox
Twitter: @philliesnation

Man, it’s been a long time since the National League has been victorious. So long, in fact, that Ricky Bottalico was the Phillies lone representative the last time the NL won, at the Vet, in 1996.

It’s been 13 long years and now that “It Counts”, a win is in order to make sure a National League team has home-field advantage in the World Series. It’s a stupid rule, but what can you do. Even though it’s been so long since the NL has won, they still hold a 40-38-2 advantage since the inaugural game in 1933.

Charlie Manuel is in charge of the NL squad and his first order of business was to insert Ryan Howard in the DH spot. It’s certainly a tough matchup as he’ll see Rays lefty David Price to start. Roy Halladay may see an inning, but no more.

NL LINEUP: H. Ramirez SS, M.Prado 2B, A. Pujols 1B, R. Howard DH, D. Wright 3B, R. Braun LF, A. Ethier CF, C. Hart RF, Y. Molina C

AL LINEUP: Ichiro RF, D. Jeter SS, M. Cabrera 1B, J. Hamilton CF, V. Guerrero DH, E. Longoria 3B, J. Mauer C, R. Cano 2B, C. Crawford LF

Your Gameday Beer: National Bohemian Beer

Going with this brew because it’s a way to root for the “National” League, which you should be doing tonight. Natty Boh as it’s called was made in Baltimore, our neighbor to the south, but like anything else, was purchased by a larger corporation. I wouldn’t drink too many of these as you watch tonight’s game, as it isn’t the most quality brew. Hell, even the mascot “Mr. Boh” only has one eye. It might make you blind. – By Pat

GO NL!