The 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park was determined by the first-ever Home Run Derby swing-off, which saw the National League come out on top with a 7-6 win over the American League.
With the score evened up at six apiece after nine innings, both teams had three hitters picked to each take three swings in the mini Home Run Derby. Brent Rooker of the Athletics led things off with two home runs for the AL, which was followed by the Miami Marlins’ Kyle Stowers getting one back on the NL side.
After Randy Arozarena of the Seattle Mariners extended the AL’s lead to 3-1, it was time for Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Kyle Schwarber to step into the batter’s box.
With Los Angeles Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel pitching to him, Schwarber hit three consecutive home runs to give the NL a decisive 4-3 lead.
“Yeah, there you go. Put a ‘W’ next to Dino’s name in the paper,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the swing-off. “Well, there’s no more papers anymore, but Dino should get the win. Absolutely.”
Ebel regularly pitches in batting practice for the Dodgers and has extensive experience in the annual Home Run Derby. His most recent appearance was last year with Teoscar Hernández, who became the first Dodgers player to win the Home Run Derby.
Schwarber also credited Ebel for throwing good pitches and believes previous experience with him was beneficial.
“Luckily, I’ve faced Dino in the World Baseball Classic. He was on the coaching staff. He’s got great BP,” Schwarber said.
“A lot of credit goes to him, too, just kind of getting thrown into the firestorm there and not being rattled by it, being able to keep pumping really good strikes to us. Having the familiarity, and he asked me right before, he was like, ‘Where do you want it?’ I’m like, just middle. And he’s like, ‘I gotcha.’
“So a lot of credit goes to him, too, for the National League bringing it home.”
Schwarber jumped at the chance to participate in the swing-off when Roberts presented him the opportunity before the All-Star Game.
“Dave pretty much just asked, ‘If there’s a tie, would you do it?’ I said, absolutely,” Schwarber said. “Not thinking that we were going to end up in a tie when you say yes.
“And then as the game’s going, you’re looking at the score, you’re not really thinking the game’s going to end in a tie. This guy slaps some good at-bats there on some of our guys in the ninth inning, too. Had a good hustle play to get down to first.
“I thought that Matt with that big defensive play there in the ninth, kind of the diving backhand was going to seal it for us. But had a good hustle play. Then we were tied. Frickin’ broke my bat in the ninth off a 100-mile-an-hour sinker. Well, I have to go get a new bat now. Went up, got the new bat, waited my turn.”
2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia
After being named 2025 All-Star Game MVP, Schwarber is looking ahead to next year’s Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia.
“We were actually talking about it today, that it’s going to be an exciting time in Philly next year when this is going to be coming there,” Schwarber said.
“I know our fanbase is going to be rambunctious and they’ll be looking forward to seeing whatever Philly representatives are going to be there. But also I’m sure there’s going to be more, as you would say, letting the division rivals know that they’re in Philly.
“But it will be a great time overall. I know that they love big games. They love high stakes. I think that’s something that our fans in Philly are going to really enjoy next year.”
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