San Francisco's Matt Cain and Detroit's Justin Verlander were named the starting pitchers on Monday for the 83rd Major League Baseball All-Star Game on Tuesday.
The National League seeks a third consecutive All-Star triumph after having ended a 13-year losing streak to their American League counterparts in 2010.
Whichever league's all-star squad wins will secure a home-field advantage for its champion in October's best-of-seven World Series championship final.
National League manager Tony LaRussa, making a one-night retirement return after leading the St. Louis Cardinals last year's World Series title, and Texas manager Ron Washington, who has guided Texas to back-to-back World Series trips, announced their choices for pitchers, each settling upon a right-hander.
Cain, making his third All-Star appearance, is 9-3 with a 2.62 earned-run average and two shutouts for the Giants.
Cain, 27, hurled the 22nd perfect game in Major League Baseball history on June 13 against the Houston Astros, striking out 14 batters in a 10-0 triumph.
"To be able to start the game is going to be a huge honor for me," Cain said.
New York Mets knuckleball pitcher R.A. Dickey, 12-1 with a 2.40 earned-run average and 5-0 in June with back-to-back one-hit victories, was also a candidate for the starting spot.
Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner as top pitcher Verlander was last year's American League Most Valuable Player finally received the All-Star nod after being ineligible to do so last year after starting the Sunday before the 2011 game.
"I'm going to relish every moment of it and hopefully play a part in helping the American League win," Verlander said.
Verlander, 29, will make his fifth All-Star appearance. After 24 wins last year, Verlander is 9-5 this season with a 2.58 earned-run average and one shutout.
"He's well-rested so I expect a lot out of him." Washington said.
New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will lead off for the American League followed by teammate Robinson Cano at second baseman for the All-Stars. Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton will bat third with Toronto outfielder Jose Bautista hitting fourth.
Detroit's Prince Fielder will hit fifth followed in order by Texas' Adrian Beltre, Boston's David Ortiz, Texas catcher Mike Napoli and Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson.
Colorado designated hitter Carlos Gonzalez will lead off for the National League, followed by San Francisco outfielder Melky Cabrera, Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun and Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto.
St. Louis outfielder Carlos Beltran will bat fifth followed by San Francisco catcher Buster Posey and teammate Pablo Sandoval, Atlanta's Dan Uggla and St. Louis shortstop Rafael Furcal.
Source: AFP American Edition
