Verlander hit hard in All-Star Game

Justin Verlander surrendered five runs on four hits in his first career All-Star Game start as the National League beat the American League 8-0 Tuesday night.

Verlander threw 35 pitches and was removed after the first inning, though he was scheduled to pitch two. 

After striking out leadoff hitter Carlos Gonzalez of Colorado, Verlander surrendered a single to San Francisco's Melky Cabrera.  Milwaukee's Ryan Braun followed with a double off the wall in right field that scored Cabrera to give the National League a 1-0 lead.

Cincinnati's Joey Votto struck out looking, but then Verlander walked Carlos Beltran of the St. Louis Cardinals and Buster Poser of the San Francisco Giants to load the bases.

San Francisco's Pablo Sandoval cleared the bases with a triple off the wall in right. 

Already leading 4-0, the National League added a fifth run on an infield single to short from Atlanta's Dan Uggla. 

Verlander's appearance ended with a fielder's choice ground out from St. Louis shortstop Rafael Furcal.

The Tigers batters didn't fare much better, as Prince Fielder flied out twice and Miguel Cabrera grounded into a double play in his only at bat. 

The National Leaguers played solid defense, snuffing out any chance the Americans had to make a rally.

Melky Cabrera was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

By virtue of the win, the National League clinched home field advantage for the 2012 World Series.  It was the third straight All-Star Game win by the NL.