In a thrilling turn of events, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker hit three homers in his final attempt to win the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. His 12 home runs surpassed Kyle Schwarber, who led the final round with 11. As a 24-years-old rising star, Walker is the first ever Cardinals player to win the event. He is also one of the youngest players to add the trophy to his collection.
Jordan Walker Comeback
With momentum on his side, Jordan Walker started with four home runs in his first eight at-bats. He hit six more, three coming on his final attempt. After tying the score, he blasted one more to surpass Schwarber’s 11. Schwarber opened the final round with four homers in his first seven attempts. He smashed another seven to reach that mark.
In the semifinals, Walker beat Junior Caminero with six homers in eight attempts. Caminero, who was last year’s runner-up, came up short with five deep shots. This was followed by Schwarber going yard nine times to defeat Willson Contreras, who ended with eight.
First Round Results
Contreras started the round by smashing 13 homers, with 10 coming in his first 15 attempts. The Boston Red Sox catcher’s farthest traveled 490 feet. Jordan Walker followed with 13 of his own and tied the score on his second to last at bat of the attempt.
Jac Caglianone crushed four consecutive dingers to end with eight. Next, Munetaka Murakami went deep nine times in his first home run derby. After that, Ben Rice blasted seven into the stands. Caminero overcame a slow start to end with 12 moon shots in his first round attempt.
Schwarber came alive to demolish 10 and punch his ticket into the second round. Fellow Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Bryce Harper came up short of advancing with eight home runs.
More Major League Baseball Articles
More St. Louis Cardinals Articles
More MLB Articles
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
- Categories
-
Major League Baseball
St. Louis Cardinals
