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| In this July 1, 2008 file photo, Cleveland Indians' Cliff Lee pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning of a baseball game in Chicago. Lee will start for the American League in the All-Star game Tuesday, July 15, 2008 in New York. |
NEW YORK (AP) -- Cleveland left-hander Cliff Lee will throw the first pitch of tonight's All-Star Game in Yankee Stadium, where the American League looks to continue its recent dominance against the National League. The junior circuit is 10-0-and-1 over the last 11 meetings.
Lee will be facing Hanley Ramirez at the top of the senior circuit batting order. The Florida shortstop will be followed by Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley, Houston first baseman Lance Berkman, St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols at designated hitter, Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones, Colorado's Matt Holliday in right field, Milwaukee left fielder Ryan Braun, Chicago's Kosuke Fukudome in center and Cubs rookie catcher Geovany Soto.
Milwaukee right-hander Ben Sheets is the NL's starter. He'll be going up against Seattle right fielder Ichiro Suzuki in the leadoff spot. Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is in the Number 2 hole, followed by Home Run Derby runner-up Josh Hamilton of Texas in center field, New York third baseman Alex Rodriguez, Boston left fielder Manny Ramirez, Rangers designated hitter Milton Bradley, Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer and Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia.
Despite its shortcomings of the last decade or so, the National League still owns a 41-35-and-2 overall advantage in the Midsummer Classic.
