Kauai’s Kirby Yates came through for the home team in the first MLB All-Star Game appearance of his career.

Yates, a two-time All-Star and 37-year-old in his first year as the closer for the Texas Rangers, worked a clean eighth inning for the American League in its 5-3 win over the National League at the Rangers’ field, Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.

In his one previous All-Star season in 2019, Yates did not get in the game. His 1.05 earned-run average at the All-Star break ranks second in the majors.

“This is cool. This is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life,” Yates told the MLB Network before the game. “I’m happy it’s here in Texas; I’m happy I was fortunate enough to make this team.”

He said he had "over 20" family members from Hawaii there to see him.

This time, he got his opportunity on a national stage. He struck out the Washington Nationals’ CJ Abrams and the San Francisco Giants’ Heliot Ramos, then got the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Will Smith to ground out to third. Yates was credited with a hold and was replaced by the Cleveland Indians’ Emmanuel Clase for the ninth inning. Nine pitchers tossed an inning apiece for the AL.

Yates, a Kauai High graduate, is having a career year. He is 3-1 with 16 saves in 34 appearances.

Brian McInnis covers the state’s sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.