"I was trying to to take him deep"- Juan Soto discusses his approach against Paul Skenes during 2024 MLB All-Star game

Rookie Paul Skenes and Juan Soto engaged in an intense battle in the first innings of the 94th MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field on Tuesday. The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie, who started the game for the NL side, retired AL's Steven Kwan and Gunnar Henderson before the New York Yankees slugger came to the plate.

With Soto's flamboyant personality at the plate and Skenes' breathing fire from the mound, it was perfect cinema. Skenes got to an early 2-2 count, with Soto coming up empty on two swings and a miss. However, Soto ground out a walk, setting up Bronx Bombers teammate Aaron Judge at the plate.

After the game, Soto discussed his at-bat battle with Skenes:

"I was trying to take him deep, though, no lie," Soto said. "But definitely after two strikes, I was trying to, you know, work that body, because I wanted to make sure he'd face him [Aaron Judge], too. So I got my job done."

However, Judge also grounded out to end the innings. Nonetheless, it was entertainment that lived up to its bill.

AL starter left impressed watching Paul Skenes at the mound

Paul Skenes was not relaxing in the All-Star game, spraying 100 mph+ velocity with ease against the best AL hitters. Soto might have gotten the better of him with a walk, but otherwise, it was a quick and clean 16-pitch outing.

Baltimore Orioles ace and AL starting pitcher Corbin Burnes was left impressed watching Skenes from the dugout in the bottom half of the first:

"Kid’s got good stuff,” Burnes said. “He’s had a great start to his career. Obviously, he was only drafted about a year ago, so it’s crazy to be on the ride he’s been on for the last year. But yeah, he’s got incredible stuff, great arm. He should have a pretty long career in this game."

Burnes himself started the first innings and escaped a jam, allowing no run despite a double from Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper. The AL side got the better of NL, winning the game 5-3 in the end. Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran won the Ted Williams MVP Award as he hit a two-run homer in the game.