The American League roster included 11 future Hall of Fame players, denoted in italics.

[1][5] The American League responded immediately, scoring twice off of NL starter Andy Messersmith in the top of the third inning.

Thurman Munson led off with a double to open the inning, and advanced to third base on a successful sacrifice bunt by Gaylord Perry.

Carew immediately advanced to third base on the throwing error by NL catcher Johnny Bench, which also allowed Munson to score.

[5] The NL retook the lead with a two-run bottom of the fourth inning off of AL relief pitcher, Luis Tiant.

Morgan hit a sacrifice fly to the outfield, permitting Brock to tag up and score from third base, and extend the NL lead to 4–2.

[5] The NL closed out the game's scoring in the bottom of the eighth inning facing the new AL relief pitcher, Rollie Fingers.