Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani was the headliner at the 2021 Home Run Derby, but he was eliminated in the first round and New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso went on to steal the show by winning the competition for a second consecutive time.
Alsonso joined Ken Griffey Jr. (three), Yoenis Céspedes (two) and Prince Fielder (two) as multi-time Home Run Derby winners. Alonso (2019, 2021), Griffey (1998, 1999) and Céspedes (2013, 2014) have won back-to-back Derbies.
Although Max Muncy gave consideration to participating in the event, which seemingly was tailor-made for Coors Field, he ultimately decided against putting strain on his body as he continues to recover from a minor right oblique strain.
As a result, the L.A. Dodgers did not have a Home Run Derby participant for the first time since 2013.
Home Run Derby first round
(3) Matt Olson vs. Trey Mancini (6)
The Derby began with an upset as the Baltimore Orioles’ first baseman got off to a strong start. Mancini slugged 24 home runs and it was just enough to hold off a late charge in bonus time as Olson finished with 23.
Though, there was some controversy as Mancini’s final home run appeared to come on a pitch that that hadn’t been thrown until after time expired.
(2) Joey Gallo vs. Trevor Story (6)
Gallo was a popular pick to win the Derby but he struggled early and despite a late charge, fell one shy of forcing a swing-off with Story. Gallo may have been robbed of a homer, as unlike with Mancini, his final blast at the buzzer was not counted.
(4) Salvador Perez vs. (5) Pete Alonso
Alonso set a first-round record with 35 home runs, and Perez never truly threatened to advance to the second round. Buoyed by extra time he earned, Perez finished with 28 homers.
During the ESPN broadcast, Alonso noted he goes hiking in Colorado during the offseason and therefore wasn’t impacted by the high altitude.
(1) Shohei Ohtani vs. (8) Juan Soto
Soto started the matchup with 22 home runs, which was respectable but came without buzz that matched one of the more anticipated first-round seedings. That sentiment held for much of Ohtani’s initial three minutes, but a late charge and bonus time pulled him even with Soto.
Each batter got one minute to add to their total, only to come away tied at 28, leading to a three-swing swing-off. Excitement at Coors Field continued to build as Soto went 3-for-3, which was enough to eliminate Ohtani on his first swing.
Home Run Derby semifinals
Mancini vs. Story
Story had the fans behind him but appeared a bit fatigued and only mustered 12 home runs. Mancini wound up eclipsing that with plenty of time to spare.
Alonso vs. Soto
Soto also looked to have gotten tired and managed just 15 homers in the second round, which Alonso easily hit. He slugged 14 before calling a timeout, turned to the crowd to get them on their feet, and hit two home runs on as many swings to advance.
Home Run Derby final round
Alonso vs. Mancini
Mancini recovered from a sluggish showing in the semifinals to put pressure on Alonso with 22 home runs. The Mets’ slugger kept swinging with his relaxed nature and got up to 17 within the initial three minutes. He then went perfect in bonus time to win the Derby.
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