Vladimir Guerrero Jr. narrowly defeated Randy Arozarena in the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby on Monday night.
It was Guerrero’s first victory in the Home Run Derby.
Guerrero hit first right after winning their semifinal matchup. He allowed Arozarena to rest a bit more before coming up to the plate. The Toronto Blue Jays star hit 20 home runs before getting the 60-second bonus. He finished the final round with 25 home runs.
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American League’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays hits during the first round of the MLB All-Star Baseball Home Run Derby in Seattle, Monday, July 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Warren)
Arozarena came to the plate after Guerrero. The Tampa Bay Rays slugger didn’t hit his first home run until about 20 seconds into his round. He called timeout with 1:01 remaining and hit only nine home runs. However, he couldn’t hit a home run beyond 440 feet to get bonus time, but he did enough to get within four home runs before the 30-second bonus time hit.
Arozarena approached but did not take a cigarette. He finished with 23 home runs.
Guerrero held on to win the derby.
UNAWARE FANS OF MLB ALL-STARS SEATTLE HOMELESS PROTEST COULD DISTURB BIG-GAME FESTIVALS
American League’s Randy Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts during the first round of the MLB All-Star Baseball Home Run Derby in Seattle, Monday, July 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Arozarena had to get past Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. in the semifinals. The Rays outfielder outscored Robert 35-25 before facing Guerrero.
Guerrero defeated young Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners, the event’s runner-up at least for the year, 21-20. Guerrero came close to winning the event in 2019, but was defeated in the final by New York Mets star Pete Alonso.
He and his father, Vladimir Guerrero, are the first father-son combo to win the Derby. The older Guerrero won in 2007.
San Diego Padres star Juan Soto did not participate in this year’s competition. He was the reigning champion.
Julio Rodriguez of the American League smiles at the start of the MLB All-Star Baseball Home Run Derby in Seattle, Monday, July 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
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Now, the super hitters will turn their attention to the MLB All-Star Game. The game will be on FOX Tuesday night at 8 pm ET. New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole will start in the American League and Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks will make the jump to the National League.