Willson Contreras, Ceddanne Rafaela, Aroldis Chapman enjoyed star-studded experience in AL’s shutout of NL at All-Star Game

PHILADELPHIA — Ben Rice had a perfect introduction to the All-Star Game on Tuesday night.

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The Yankees first baseman took a first-pitch fastball for a strike from National League starter Cristopher Sánchez in the top of the first inning. The next pitch was a fastball in the same spot, and Rice hit it hard into center field, driving in a run and giving the American League a 3-0 lead in what proved to be a 4-0 victory.

That’s what Rice has done all season. The 27-year-old Cohasset native and former Noble and Greenough star is second in the American League with 68 RBIs.

Rice struck out swinging against Cardinals reliever Riley O’Brien to end the top of the third inning, leaving two runners stranded. No matter. Rice thoroughly enjoyed his All-Star experience after playing three innings.

“Trying to soak it all in and meet all these players you play against all the time,” Rice said. “It was such a fun experience … I’ll remember being in the same clubhouse as Mike Trout and Justin Verlander. I’ll remember everything.”

Rice was replaced at first base by Willson Contreras of the Red Sox. For Contreras, it was his first appearance in a game since last Wednesday. He has been serving a suspension from Major League Baseball for his role in a brawl with the Nationals on June 30.

Contreras still has one more game to sit out, but was eligible for the All-Star Game.

Facing Braves closer Raisel Iglesias, Contreras singled to right field in the sixth inning. His brother William, who plays for the Brewers, was catching for the National League.

“Thanks to the manager for putting us to play at the same time. They made it happen,” Contreras said. “They made it happen, and I’m really thankful for that.”

Contreras was forced at second to end the inning and wrapped World Baseball Classic teammate Luis Arraez in a hug.

“He’s like a brother to me,” Contreras said. “We spent a lot of time together in the WBC. Got to know him and his family; really humble guy and plays with a lot of energy. I respect him a lot.”

Contreras also was part of a fantastic defensive play to end the fifth inning.

Andy Pages of the Dodgers hit a sharp ground ball up the middle. Second baseman Ernie Clement of the Blue Jays ranged to his right and made an off-balance throw that Contreras stretched to catch.

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Contreras said his bruised left foot, the result of a foul ball in his last game, was improving.

“I still feel something in there, but good enough to play,” he said.

Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman got two outs in the ninth inning. The 38-year-old lefthander struck out Jordan Walker of the Cardinals, the Home Run Derby winner. Matt Olson of the Braves then lined softly to second.

Chapman was taken out after only six pitches and was hugged by all the infielders. AL manager John Schneider told him before the inning that was the plan.

“It feels good. The majority of those guys, it was the first time we shared a clubhouse,” Chapman said via an interpreter. “It was very nice to be able to get to know them and for them to congratulate me.”

Chapman has thrown 5⅔ hitless innings in his seven All-Star appearances, walking two and striking out 10.

Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela also entered the game in the fourth inning in place of Mike Trout. He got to the plate in the seventh and struck out on three pitches facing Dodgers lefthander Justin Wrobleski. He went down swinging through a fastball.

Rafaela came up again in the ninth facing Phillies closer Jhoan Duran and grounded out.

“It was great, man. I had a lot of fun today. A dream come true,” Rafaela said. “That’s when I feel proud of myself in these type of moments. That’s when I take a step back and see the hard work I’ve done.”

Rafaela’s only regret was that he didn’t get to make a catch in center field.

“I was hoping for something in the gap,” he said.

Before the game, Contreras paid tribute to the victims of the devastating earthquakes in his native Venezuela last month by wearing a black ribbon on the lapel of his gray suit while he walked the red carpet.

The ribbon was attached with a Venezuelan flag pin.

After he came out of the game, Contreras also signed a Venezuelan flag for a family that lost seven people in the disaster.

He wrote, “I will always love you, and together we will make a renaissance. With love and respect, we deserve the best.”

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