Pence, Hudson tip caps to AL All-Stars, Jeter

MINNEAPOLIS -- Giants right fielder Hunter Pence stood in the on-deck circle during the ninth inning of Tuesday night's All-Star Game, yearning for another chance to step in the batter's box.

But Minnesota closer Glen Perkins dashed Pence's hopes, finishing a 1-2-3 effort by coaxing a groundout from Colorado's Charlie Blackmon to seal the American League's 5-3 victory over the National League.

Of course, Pence believed until the very end that the NL could prevail.

"I was pretty excited," he said. "I had a pretty good opportunity right there but it wasn't meant to be. It was their night."

That was evident in Pence's lone plate appearance. Facing Kansas City right-hander Greg Holland, Pence ended the seventh inning by hitting a one-hop smash to third base after swinging hard through the first pitch.

"If I knew I'd get one at-bat, I'd want to take the kind of swings I did," Pence said.

Derek Jeter probably would say the same thing. The Yankees shortstop, who plans to retire at the end of the season, went 2-for-2 while basking in the adulation of players and fans alike.

"It was pretty special to see him get two hits and do what he has done for a long time -- stay inside the ball and drive it to right field," Pence said.

Asked if he felt emotional while watching Jeter, Pence said, "I wouldn't say 'emotional.' I was honored to be here."

Right-hander Tim Hudson, the Giants' only other active All-Star representative, didn't pitch but received an eyeful of Jeter.

"Class act," Hudson said. "He's been such an ambassador to the game for a lot of years. Of course he had to go 2-for-2. That's kind of him in a nutshell. The game will miss him for sure."