Jordan Walker clinches Home Run Derby with six straight homers
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker won the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia by hitting six consecutive home runs in the final round, becoming the first player from his franchise to capture the title.
Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals secured the Home Run Derby title in Philadelphia after delivering six consecutive home runs in the final round, edging hometown favorite Kyle Schwarber 12-11. Walker finished with a 407-foot blast to left field, giving him a total of 31 homers for the night, matching Schwarber's overall tally.
"I can't even describe how it means to win it," Walker said, adding that he tried to enjoy each swing despite the pressure.
Schwarber, who was attempting to win his first Derby in his third appearance, acknowledged the impact of the crowd and his own pacing during the contest.
"From Pitch 1 I felt like I was going too hard because I wanted to do it for them," he said.
The event featured a new format with untimed swings—20 in the first round, 15 in the second, and 15 in the finals. Walker advanced past Junior Caminero, while Schwarber defeated Willson Contreras in the semifinals. Other notable performances included a 491-foot homer by Caminero and a 490-foot shot by Contreras in the opening round.
Walker became the first player in Cardinals history to win the Derby, and his victory concluded a night that saw several Philadelphia players, including Bryce Harper, eliminated early.