Rox enjoy All-Star experiences despite loss

NEW YORK -- The Rockies boasted three members of the National League's starting lineup for the first time in franchise history, but were unable to contribute a hit to the attack in a 3-0 loss to the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game at Citi Field.

Serving as the designated hitter, Michael Cuddyer wrapped up his night 0-for-1 with a walk, while left fielder Carlos Gonzalez and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki finished hitless in two at-bats.

Cuddyer said that the trip was worth it, however, just to be present for Mariano Rivera's final All-Star appearance. The Yankees closer entered in the eighth inning and recorded three outs before Joe Nathan set down the NL in the ninth for the save in the AL's first victory since 2009.

"It's exciting. It's what you dream of as a little kid," Cuddyer said. "Obviously, I wish we would've won, but to be at the All-Star Game, Mariano's last All-Star Game, to be able to experience that was special. He's the greatest of all time.

"Anytime you're in the midst of history like that, you've got to appreciate it. Even if it is a competition, you appreciate what he's done for this game, for this profession, the way he's carried himself and handled himself and the way he's dominated."

Gonzalez struck out swinging at a slider from White Sox left-hander Chris Sale in the second inning and grounded out to second base facing the Rays' Matt Moore in the fifth. His second All-Star appearance ended when was replaced in left field by the Phillies' Domonic Brown for the sixth inning.

"Every year is different. It never gets old," Gonzalez said. "This is only my second one, but it seems like every time just gets better and better. Being next to all these guys makes it a lot better, too.

"I'm really thankful for [the fans] because that's the only reason that I'm here today. I just try to enjoy when I play baseball. I just go out and compete every night. Those are the people who made me an All-Star."

Tulowitzki also struck out swinging at a Sale slider in the third inning and popped out to second base against Moore in the fifth. A three-time All-Star, Tulowitzki was replaced by the Brewers' Jean Segura at shortstop in the sixth inning.

"You just want to score," Tulowitzki said. "These pitchers are so tough, you feel like if you get on the board, you like your chances. But they got on the board before us."

Cuddyer, who hit 15 homers in Monday's Chevrolet Home Run Derby, worked a sixth-inning walk off A's closer Grant Balfour. A two-time All-Star, Cuddyer also grounded out softly back to the mound facing Sale in the third inning.

"Now, I'm 0-for-2 with a walk in my career in the All-Star Game, but it doesn't take away from the fact that I played in the All-Star Game," Cuddyer said.

Tulowitzki had some struggles in the field during the night, but was able to aid the NL team with his glove as he teamed with the Reds' Brandon Phillips to contribute some slick defense up the middle.

Tulowitzki made a nice play and feed to Phillips on a Mike Trout grounder in the fifth, as Phillips barehanded the ball while forcing out J.J. Hardy at second base before firing on to first to nail the speedy Trout.

"It was cool. Obviously being on the losing side stinks at any time, but being in the All-Star Game, I had a great time," Tulowitzki said. "I got to meet some great people and get a chance to play among the best players in the game."

Tulowitzki and Gonzalez were the first Rockies elected by fans since first baseman Todd Helton made the last of his three consecutive fan-voted starts in 2003. Cuddyer was selected via the player ballot.