With the President watching, Victorino singles, scores in All-Star game
Advertiser Staff and News Services
The Hawai‘i connection worked — even in St. Louis.
With President Barack Obama in the Fox broadcast booth, Philadelphia’s Shane Victorino singled and scored in a three-run National League second inning today at Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game as the NL took a 3-2 lead.
The American League went on to win the game 4-3.
Victorino, who started the game in center field, lined a two-out single to right field off American League starter Roy Halladay, and scored the NL's second run on Yadier Molina single to center field and a throwing error by Josh Hamilton. Victorino aggressively raced toward third and wound up trotting home when Hamilton's throw from center field deflected off a sliding Victorino for an error.
Obama was quick to point out he and Victorino were from Hawai‘i, and that Victorino had given him macadamia nuts in the NL clubhouse before the game.
In his second at-bat in the fourth inning, Zack Greinke struck out Victorino on four pitches.
Phillies teammate Jayson Werth replaced Victorino in the seventh inning.
Victorino, a St. Anthony alum from Maui, started the game for injured Carlos Beltran after being voted to the NL All-Stars in an Internet fan vote.
Victorino is the first position player from Hawai‘i to play in the All-Star game. New York Mets pitcher Sid Fernandez was the last player from Hawai‘i to be chosen for the All-Star Game in 1986 and 1987.