Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Wins The 2023 Home Run Derby As Julio Rodriguez Has a Record Night
In a narrow 25 HRs – 23 HRs victory over Rays OF Randy Arozarena in the final round of the Derby, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wins the home run derby, and he and his father become the first father-son duo to ever win.
After defeating hometown boy Julio Rodriguez in the Semi final Guerrero found himself in a final with Rays star Randy Arozarena, who had just beaten White Sox OF Luis Robert Jr.. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was up to bat first and was absoluting crushing the ball, he finished the regular time period with 20 home runs, 2 of which went beyond 440 feet landing him an extra minute of the clock. In his additional minute he was able to crank 5 more balls into the stands finishing with a total of 25 Home runs. Arozarena, who doesn’t have as powerful a swing as Guerrero was able to knock 21 balls into the bleacher through the first 2 minutes, however, he wasn’t able to bat 2+ balls at least 440 feet which proved to be costly when he didn’t get the additional 30 seconds Guerrero got. With the extra time he was given he needed at least 4 home runs, and his swings felt very rushed resulting in a lot of liners and grounders, only 2 of his balls were able to go yard resulting in a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. win.
Here are all 72 PLÁKATAS from @27vladdyjr. 💥 pic.twitter.com/Zh6YO7p8MC
— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2023
But Guerrero wasn’t the only home run hitter who set records in Seattle, Julio Rodriguez stole the show with an unprecedented 41 HRs sending the 2 time Champ Pete Alonso packing. Rodriguez was drilling them into left field, he swung on just about every pitch he got, putting on an absolute clinic in front of his hometown fans. His fate met him in the second round when he matched up against Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Cannon of bat.
Adley Rutschmann, who had his dad pitching for him also did something very interesting in his first home run derby. Following his standard batting time he decided to switch hit, from left to right handed. Shockingly, it worked out for him, he was crushing balls on what felt like almost every single pitch.
SHOW OFF THEN, ADLEY RUTSCHMAN‼️
He switched plates and still went 7-for-8 😳 #HRDerby pic.twitter.com/moUxY5ah1W
— ESPN (@espn) July 11, 2023
Overall, This was another successful derby from the MLB, attracting so many new fans across the nation. As always one of the best sporting events of the summer and a big congratulations to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and his father.
What a moment for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 🙌
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/gPYljQxsP4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 11, 2023