Right-wing Germán Márquez became the ninth Venezuelan pitcher to take part in a Major League All-Star Game on Tuesday and, at the same time, opened a page in the curiosities notebook as the first Creole pitcher to face a compatriot in the classic. mid-season.
Marquez, the sole representative of the host Colorado Rockies in the 91st edition of the event, entered in the fourth inning to replace Corbin Burnes.
With his first delivery, Rafael Devers grounded through shorstop grounds. Against Marcus Semien he made seven pitches and on a 3-2 count he dominated it with a roll to third. With the third enemy, the historic turn was presented: a Guyanese arm against a Carabobeño bat. With five pitches, Márquez won over Pérez, forcing him to swing the third strike.
In summary, against three opponents he made 13 pitches, eight in the strike zone during the game that the visitors of the American League won 5 runs for 2 to the National League, to credit his eighth consecutive victory and remain with an advantage of 46-43 and two draws on the hit list since 1933.
Wilson Álvarez pioneer
Left-handed Wilson Álvarez was the first Venezuelan pitcher to play an All-Star Game. The Zuliano pitched the eighth inning in 1994, held in the city of Pittsburgh and then performed for the second time in 200.
Then followed Ugueth Urbina (1998, 2002), Freddy García (2001-02), Francisco Rodríguez (2004, 2007-09, 2014-15), Carlos Zambrano (2004 and 2008), Félix Hernández (2009, 2011, 2013-15 ), Johan Santana (2005-07) and Felipe Vázquez (2018).
