PHILADELPHIA — In the top of the fifth inning, the lights went dim at Citizens Bank Park as a “Sandlot”-inspired montage played on the big screen set to Ray Charles’ rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

As the montage shut off, kids on bicycles came onto the field to meet the players on the field. While this was occurring, Nationals All-Star Foster Griffin was in the bullpen, preparing to make his All-Star debut.

“They kind of iced me down there,” Griffin said. “I was getting hot, and then the light went out.”

The delay didn’t dim his performance. He threw a clean fifth in the National League’s 4-0 loss to the American League.

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Griffin struck out Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz and Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler before inducing a lineout from Miguel Vargas to end the inning.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said of the experience. “I just wanted to more than anything go out there, throw strikes, let them swing the bat.”

No one could have foreseen Griffin sharing a clubhouse with the likes of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. This time last year, Griffin was pitching in Japan. Now, a year later, he’s an All-Star, and a deserving one at that.

Griffin has been indispensable for the surprising Nationals, who hovered around .500 in the first half and are still in the running for a wild-card spot. He’s been the most dependable arm on an inconsistent pitching staff, recording a 10-2 record with a 2.77 ERA in 19 starts. Even with his outing limited to an inning, Griffin still enjoyed the camaraderie he had with the other All-Stars.

“More than anything, it’s just getting to be in this clubhouse with all these unbelievable names up there,” he said. “Get to chat with a few of them and just kind of pick their brains and learn the personalities to go with some of the faces that we play all the time.”

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Griffin’s past life collided with his new reality as he fielded questions from the American media and a large contingent of Japanese reporters. The 30-year-old wouldn’t have been named an All-Star without the tutelage he received in his three seasons pitching for the Yomiuri Giants.

“I’ve been super grateful for the continued Japanese fan support, even after I’ve come [to the majors] this year,” he said. “I still keep up with some of the Giants and how well they’re doing this year. A lot of the players as well.”