Jordan Walker clinches Home Run Derby title over Kyle Schwarber
Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker defeated Phillies' Kyle Schwarber 12-11 in the final round of the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13.
Philadelphia – Jordan Walker secured the Home Run Derby championship on July 13, edging Kyle Schwarber 12-11 after hitting four homers in the bonus period. Walker entered the final round with nine homers from his allotted 15 swings and delivered six consecutive home runs to clinch the win.
Schwarber, who led the major leagues with 32 regular-season home runs, recorded 11 homers in the final round, having advanced from a fourth-place finish in the opening round and a semifinal victory over Red Sox catcher Willson Contreras.
In the semifinals, Walker defeated Rays prospect Junior Caminero, who had previously logged the night’s longest hit at 491 feet. Contreras posted a 490-foot homer in the first round, tying for the longest of the event.
Other notable performances included Bryce Harper, who was eliminated in the first round, and Ben Rice of the Yankees, who received a mixed reaction from the crowd. The Derby featured eight competitors, each receiving 20 swings in the first round and 15 swings in subsequent rounds, with all swings counting toward their totals.
The event was part of the MLB All-Star festivities at Citizens Bank Park, which also included the All-Star Game and a debut appearance by Detroit rookie Kevin McGonigle in the All-Star Game.