Ben Rice’s first appearance in the Home Run Derby ended quickly Monday night, as the New York Yankees slugger was eliminated in the opening round at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Rice managed just seven home runs, the fewest among the eight participants, and never found the rhythm needed to advance to the semifinals.
Adam Silver Shares New Update on the Kawhi Leonard Investigation as the NBA Review Continues Batting fifth in the competition, Rice went homerless on his first four swings before launching a 386-foot drive to right field for his first home run. He followed with another on the next pitch but struggled to build momentum throughout the round. Rice entered his final seven swings with only four home runs and added three more before popping up the bonus gold ball to finish with seven. Jac Caglianone, Bryce Harper, and Munetaka Murakami also failed to advance.
Willson Contreras, Jordan Walker, Junior Caminero, and Kyle Schwarber moved on to the semifinals. Walker defeated Caminero before Schwarber edged Contreras to set up the championship matchup. Schwarber appeared poised to celebrate a hometown victory after the final round, but Walker surged with home runs on his final six swings to capture the title, becoming the first St. Louis Cardinals player to win the Home Run Derby.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.