Eloy Jimenez connects for a three-run home run in the ninth inning of the 2016 All-Star Futures Game. (Tom Nagel/ASG News)
SAN DIEGO – Trailing 3-0 after five innings, the World Futures scored 11 unanswered runs to defeat the USA Futures team 11-3 in the 2016 All-Star Futures Game at San Diego’s Petco Park. It was the World team’s first Futures Game victory since 2009, ending a six-game winning streak for USA.
Yoan Moncada of the Red Sox was named the game’s MVP after hitting a 406-foot, two-run home run in the eight inning, giving the World team its first lead. Moncada, who finished 2-for-5 with a stolen base, is the first player from Cuba to win the award.
Several other players made a significant impact, including Eloy Jimenez of the Cubs, who drove in the World team’s first run in the sixth, made a spectacular catch in right field in the seventh, and then capped off a seven-run ninth inning with a three-run shot that traveled 401 feet (pictured above), hitting the facing of the third deck of the Western Metal Supply Co. beyond left field.
Ok, Eloy Jimenez … we see you!
What. A. Catch. https://t.co/1x7WiNBij0 #FuturesGame pic.twitter.com/46RSIttcFy
— All-Star Game (@AllStarGame) July 11, 2016
For the USA team, Alex Bregman of the Astros stood out with a triple, double, and single, coming up a home run short of a cycle. However, Bregman’s error in the eight inning allowed what would prove to be the tying run to reach base.
Manuel Margot of the Padres was another standout, scoring two runs, driving in another, and robbing Cardinals prospect Carson Kelly of a home run in the sixth inning.
.@Padres top prospect Manuel Margot is already patrolling that outfield like a stud: https://t.co/bx6nz3XCMl https://t.co/1JNb5lwIg0
— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2016
The 2016 All-Star Week festivities continue today with Workout Day (including the Home Run Derby) and conclude tomorrow with the 87th All-Star Game.
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