In a thrilling finish at Truist Park, Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson came through for the National League, driving in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift his team to a dramatic 3–2 victory over the American League in a Strat-O-Matic All-Star Game simulation.
The simulation, run by Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic) — the market leader in sports simulations and statistical recreations — gave baseball fans a preview of what could happen when the best in the game go head-to-head. For Matt Olson, the moment was even sweeter, as he got to play hero in his hometown ballpark in Atlanta.
The American League got on the board first thanks to Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, who launched a leadoff home run in the third inning to give the A.L. a 1–0 lead. The National League responded quickly in the bottom of the fourth. Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith and Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker each delivered RBI singles, putting the N.L. ahead 2–1.
Caminero wasn’t done yet, however. The 20-year-old slugger tied the game in the fifth inning with his second solo homer of the night, showcasing the power that has made him one of the most exciting young players in Major League Baseball.
The All-Star Game simulation stayed tied at 2–2 through regulation, with both leagues showing off deep pitching staffs and timely defense. Seattle Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz struck out the side in a dominant scoreless eighth inning to keep the American League in the game.
In extra innings, San Diego Padres reliever Jason Adam took the mound for the National League and worked a crucial scoreless top of the 10th. He got help from Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman, who threw out Tampa Bay Rays infielder Jonathan Aranda trying to steal third base. Adam then struck out Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk to escape the jam.
That set the stage for Matt Olson’s heroics. With Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz starting the bottom of the 10th as the automatic runner, Olson lined a one-out single off Boston Red Sox reliever Aroldis Chapman, bringing home De La Cruz to secure the National League’s simulated victory.
Olson and Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte each had two hits to lead the National League offense. The simulation highlighted the depth and talent of both rosters, with players from multiple teams delivering key moments.
