This is not how Albert Pujols wanted to start the All-Star Game on his field. The American League exploited his fielding error to take a quick two-run lead.

Ichiro led off the game by doing what he does, lashing a single to right field on a 2-2 breaking pitch from Tim Lincecum.

Then Lincecum hit Derek Jeter with a runaway pitch. Whenever the kid reaches back for his finishing fastball, it sales.

Dare we say that Timmy is nervous? Trying to throw the ball 115 miles per hour won’t work in this game.

Lincecum whiffed Joe Mauer with a pitch in the dirt and nearly got the double play out of it. Ichiro took off toward third and Yadier Molina gunned him out. The throw across the diamond nearly got Mauer.

Then Albert booted Mark Teixeira’s would-be double-play grounder and the American League had a 1-0 lead. Pujols takes great pride in his defense, so that gaffe had to sting.

Jason Bay singled to single field, then Josh Hamilton’s fielder choice grounder pushed the AL lead to 2-0.

In the bottom of the inning. the NL did nothing against Roy Halladay. Pujols contributed a groundout to the third base in the empty frame.