ARLINGTON, Texas — Speedy Jarren Duran describes himself as a player who keeps his head down, works hard, and never thinks of himself as being better than anybody else. This humility and dedication were evident as Duran turned heads in his first All-Star Game, hitting a tiebreaking two-run homer for the American League and being awarded the MVP trophy named after Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams.

“That’s an honor. Who else would I want to try to follow in the footsteps of besides a guy like that, who is not just a great baseball player but a great human being,” Duran said after becoming the fifth Red Sox player selected as All-Star Game MVP. “That guy was awesome, and I’m honored to be able to have his award.”

The decisive homer came in the fifth inning Tuesday night as the AL beat the National League 5-3 for its 10th win in the past 11 All-Star Games. The victory highlighted a thrilling game filled with remarkable performances from both sides.

Pittsburgh rookie Paul Skenes pitched a hitless first inning for the NL, twice hitting 100 mph, showcasing his raw talent and power. Shohei Ohtani, a standout player known for his dual role as a pitcher and hitter, also went deep in Texas with a three-run homer for a 3-0 lead in the third inning, a significant moment for the Los Angeles Dodgers star.

Juan Soto, another notable player, hit a two-run double and scored on David Fry’s single to tie the score in the AL third. This set the stage for Duran, who went deep off Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene, breaking the tie and ultimately sealing the game.

“It’s a surreal moment. So I’m just thankful to be here,” said Duran, who was one of 39 first-time All-Stars this year. His humility and gratitude were clear as he reflected on the achievement and the honor of being named MVP.

Oakland right-hander Mason Miller got the win after throwing a 103.6 mph pitch, the fastest in the All-Star Game since tracking began in 2008. Hard-throwing Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase struck out two in the ninth for the save, solidifying the AL's victory with his dominant performance.

The 22-year-old Skenes, who has pitched only 11 big league games since being the No. 1 overall pick in the draft last July, became the first rookie starter since 1995 and had the fewest games played for any player to make an All-Star team. The right-hander threw a hitless first, with a two-out walk to Soto before his Yankees teammate Aaron Judge grounded into a forceout on the next pitch.

Skenes threw 11 of 16 pitches for strikes, with seven fastballs up to 100.1 mph. “Frankly, I wish I’d had a few more pitches to do that today,” said Skenes, who has a good mix of pitches to go with the hard stuff. “It’s cool to bring eyes to the game.”

Ohtani, who has gone deep 29 times in the first season of his record $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, pulled a 400-foot drive to right off Tanner Houck. That came after the Boston right-hander allowed singles to the first two batters he faced: No. 9 batter Jurickson Profar and leadoff hitter Ketel Marte.

“I haven’t really hit well in the All-Star Game, so I’m just relieved that I put the ball in play,” Ohtani said. “I just focused on having a regular at-bat as if I was in the regular season.”

When Ohtani went against Miller in the fifth, he struck out on an 89.2 mph slider well inside and out of the strike zone. That was after twice taking strikes on fastballs of more than 100 mph. Ohtani’s first All-Star homer made him the first Dodgers player to go deep in the Midsummer Classic since Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza in 1996. Eleven days after his 30th birthday, Ohtani was an All-Star for the fourth time — his first with the NL.

Baltimore’s Anthony Santander, after taking over for Soto in right field, had a two-out single in the fifth before Duran’s 413-foot homer to right-center after he had replaced Judge in center. Duran took a 95.9 mph fastball before going deep on an 86 mph splitter.

“I knew he threw really hard so I was just praying he would throw me a first pitch fastball so I could see how hard it was. After that, I was hoping to get a pitch up,” Duran said. “He happened to leave a pitch up. I happened to put a good swing on it.”

The last Red Sox player to be the All-Star MVP was J.D. Drew in 2008, following Pedro Martinez in 1999, Roger Clemens in 1986, and Carl Yastrzemski in 1970. Duran was voted by his peers as an All-Star after being the first AL player to go into the break with at least 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 homers, and 20 stolen bases.

The AL has a 48-44-2 record in the All-Star Game and had won nine in a row before the National League’s 3-2 victory last year in Seattle.

AL starter Corbin Burnes arrived in Texas the morning of the game after spending time at home with his newborn twin daughters. The Baltimore right-hander allowed a walk and then a two-out double to Bryce Harper before getting out of his inning on a comebacker by William Contreras, his catcher last season in Milwaukee. After his underhand toss of the ball to first base, Burnes had a big smile on his face when he kept jogging and wrapped his arm around Contreras on the baseline.

The All-Star Game was a showcase of emerging talents and seasoned veterans, providing fans with a thrilling and memorable event. The performances of players like Jarren Duran, Paul Skenes, Shohei Ohtani, and others highlighted the future of baseball, blending raw talent with remarkable skill. The game served as a reminder of the sport's rich history and its promising future, with new stars rising to the occasion and making their mark on the field.

The evening was filled with other notable moments, adding to the spectacle. For instance, Shohei Ohtani's impressive performance not only bolstered his reputation as one of the game's most exciting players but also underscored the significant investment made by the Dodgers in securing his talents. Ohtani's three-run homer in the third inning provided an early lead for the AL and showcased his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

Paul Skenes' pitching performance, marked by his 100 mph fastballs, was another highlight. As a rookie with limited experience, his composure and skill on such a grand stage were commendable. His ability to handle the pressure of starting an All-Star Game, particularly with so few major league games under his belt, spoke volumes about his potential and promise as a future star in the league.

Mason Miller's record-setting 103.6 mph pitch added a layer of excitement and demonstrated the increasing velocity and power that modern pitchers bring to the game. His performance, along with that of Emmanuel Clase, who closed the game with two strikeouts, highlighted the depth of talent in the AL bullpen.

The strategic decisions made by the managers, the execution of key plays, and the individual brilliance of players like Jarren Duran combined to make this All-Star Game a memorable event. It was a night that celebrated the best in baseball, from emerging stars to established veterans, all coming together to showcase their skills and entertain fans.

In the grand tradition of the Midsummer Classic, the game served as a bridge between baseball's storied past and its bright future. The performances of the evening will be remembered not just for the statistics and outcomes, but for the stories of hard work, dedication, and the joy of the sport that they represent. The All-Star Game once again proved to be a fitting celebration of baseball, bringing together the best of the best for a night of unforgettable moments and achievements.