Pete Alonso Wins Second Consecutive HR Derby Title

What was expected to be the Ohtani show turned into the Met Gala, starring Pete Alonso. Despite an ESPN camera angle that gave viewers and Ray Charles the same chances of telling what was and wasn't a homer, the MLB Home Run Derby was a smashing success. Alonso, the Mets' slugger and defending champ, stole the show en route to his second straight Home Run Derby title.

Not to be outdone, Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto provided their own first round fireworks. The two sluggers traded blast for blast, tying twice, before Soto ultimately advanced by besting Ohtani in a three-pitch swing off.

Alonso cranked out 16 more second round homers to advance to the finals against Baltimore's Trey Mancini. The Orioles’ first baseman briefly stole the spotlight from Alonso, belting 22 final round homers. But it wouldn't be enough to top Alonso.

Nicknamed "The Polar Bear," Alonso was cool as could be in the final round, hammering 23 dingers to claim the 2021 title, his second consecutive.

 

Major League Baseball's All-Star festivities continue tomorrow night with the league's All-Star Game from Coors Field in Colorado.