Glen Perkins records final out in front of home crowd (GIF)

With the All-Star Game a game that now matters and affects the complexion of the MLB playoffs, it can be difficult for managers to have it both ways. On the one hand they want to manage to win the game and earn home field advantage in the World Series. On the other hand they want to get as many players as possible involved in the game and give them a chance to have their moment in the spotlight.

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American League manager John Farrell, of Boston Red Sox fame, was indeed able to have it both ways in regards to his managerial duties on Tuesday night. He managed to put his pitchers, especially the series of closers in the back end of the game, in the best positions to bring home the 5-3 victory over the National League. To end the game, he was then able to make a decision that was popular for the home fans in Minnesota as he inserted Twins’ closer Glen Perkins to record the final three outs of the game.

Perkins worked an effective and uneventful 9th inning, retiring the last three hitters in order. With a ground ball from Charlie Blackmon to put the final out in the books, he was able to take a breath and celebrate with the legendary Derek Jeter and the rest of the American League roster. It was a great moment for the Minnesota native.

Stay tuned to FanSided for all your MLB All-Star game coverage and highlights.