PHOENIX (AP) Pitching, speed and a little bit of power. The National League is back on top in the All-Star game, using the same formula that worked during its dominating run in the 1970s and 80s.
Prince Fielder hit a three-run homer and Roy Halladay and his relief combined on a six-hitter to lead the NL over the AL 5-1 Tuesday night, giving the senior circuit its first two-game winning streak since the mid-1990s.
The victory handed the NL home-field advantage in the World Series. With several big names as no-shows at Chase Field, the AL lost more than the game.
Boston right-hander Josh Beckett warmed up, then bowed out with a sore knee. Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera left after hurting his side.
Even before they were hurt, many stars were missing. Justin Verlander, Felix Hernandez and many other aces started Sunday and were ineligible, Chipper Jones and Alex Rodriguez were among those on the disabled list and Derek Jeter wanted a break. In all, 16 of 84 All-Stars were dropped.
Tyler Clippard got the win despite allowing a single to Adrian Beltre, his only batter. Relievers Clayton Kershaw, Jair Jurrjens, Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters, Heath Bell, Joel Hanrahan and Brian Wilson combined to keep the NL ahead.
Fielder won the MVP award after becoming the first Brewers player to homer in an All-Star game. The World Series edge could help him later, with Milwaukee and St. Louis tied for the Central lead at the break.
The NL dashed around the bases and stole three bags, all in one inning. Bell showed some speed, too the reliever ran in from the bullpen and tore up the turf with a slide just short of the mound.
In all, the Nationals have enjoyed their best run since taking three in a row from 1994-96 they had lost 12 straight games played to a decision before a 3-1 victory at Anaheim last year.

Bostons Beckett scratched due to soreness in left knee
PHOENIX Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett has been scratched from the All-Star game after feeling soreness in his left knee.
Beckett felt the problem while warming up in the bullpen Tuesday.
The right-hander was scheduled to follow starter Jered Weaver in the second inning, but was pulled before going into to pitch. He was replaced by Yankees right-hander David Robertson.
Beckett pitched just five innings in his last start against Baltimore on Friday after he slightly hyperextended his knee on the wet mound at Fenway Park.

Tucson shooting victims honored at All-Star Game
PHOENIX The intern whose quick actions helped save the life of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has thrown out a first ball at the All-Star game.
Daniel Hernandez joined longtime baseball announcer Joe Garagiola in tossing the ceremonial pitches at Chase Field on Tuesday.
Victims of the Tucson shooting that killed six people and critically injured Giffords were honored as part of the pregame ceremonies.
The family of the youngest of those killed, 9-year-old Christina-Taylor Green, delivered the lineup cards to the umpires. Her father, John Green, scouts for the Los Angeles Dodgers and her grandfather, Dallas Green, managed the Philadelphia Phillies to their first World Series championship in 1980.
The names of those who died were listed on the ballparks giant screen during a moment of silence. Survivors and relatives of those shot on Jan. 8 watched from behind the third-base dugout.
Giffords is in Texas recovering from her wounds.