Twins' Dozier makes the most of All-Star appearance

Brian Dozier hits a home run
American League's Brian Dozier, of the Minnesota Twins, hits a home run during the eighth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game, July 14, 2015, in Cincinnati.
John Minchillo | AP

Updated: 2:04 p.m. | Posted: 5:49 a.m.

Minnesota Twins second baseman Brain Dozier barely made it to Major League Baseball's All-Star Game Tuesday night in Cincinnati, but once there he proved he belonged by hitting a solo home run in his only at-bat.

The American League won the game 6-3, which guarantees its team will have home-field advantage over the National League team in the World Series.

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Dozier's homer was overshadowed by Mike Trout's home run to open the game. Trout, the 23-year-old centerfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, was voted All-Star MVP for the second year in a row.

But Dozier's night was almost as memorable. He missed out on a chance to get to the game by fan and player votes, and only ended up being at the Great American Ball Park as a late addition because of an injury to another player.

Ironically, Dozier's homer off Pittsburgh closer Mark Melancon cost the other Twin on the All-Star roster the chance to earn a save.

Twins closer Glen Perkins pitched the ninth inning, gave up a run and then shut down NL batters to end the game.