The fans wanted to see a Yankees slugger battle a Marlins slugger – they got their wish – sort of.
I’m going to get this out of the way now – the Home Run Derby did not disappoint!
If you were a betting man you probably bet on Gary Sanchez to win the HR Derby. Why?
He was a long shot according to OddsShark, and provided a bigger (+1400) pay day. In fact, only Charlie Blackmon (+2000) was considered a greater underdog. Sure, Stanton was the heavy favorite but this is the derby – upsets happen every year.
The fans wanted to see Giancarlo Stanton defend his title by beating Aaron Judge, the MLB-leader in home runs.
That did not happen. Largely because Judge’s teammate put on a show.
.@ElGarySanchez uses his #MagentaMoment to fend off the hometown hero and 2016 champ @Giancarlo818 in the @TMobile #HRDerby. pic.twitter.com/mzIfxHpisV
— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2017
Stanton’s Epic Comeback Falls Short
After calling a timeout, Stanton was 13 HR short with two-minutes remaining…this is how close he came.
Stanton’s longest HR last year was 497 ft. – he hit that twice tonight.
It wasn’t enough to advance to round 2. Gary Sánchez prevails. pic.twitter.com/D2cOzcjLDO
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 11, 2017
The Wrong Yankees – Marlins Matchup
Despite the fact that he wouldn’t have to face him in the championship, Judge couldn’t let the Stanton comeback take the forefront of conversation.
Stanton’s teammate Justin Bour did everything he could to prevent Judge from advancing to the semifinals. He even took time for a little mid-round snack.
Justin Bour calling time from hitting balls to the moon for a donut break is amazing #HRDerby pic.twitter.com/cocuFYG6KY
— Ozzie (@OldComiskey) July 11, 2017
But not even the fourth most (22) single-round homers in derby history were enough to stop the rookie.
Judge belted 23 HR, knocking the life out of the Miami-faithful. But don’t tell Bour that – he provided the emotion necessary to carry the buzz all the way until 2018.
Donut dude!!!!!!! ???????????????????????????????? #Bour #HomerunDerby pic.twitter.com/Jr5wbV3Y4X
— SCOTT WARNER (@ScottWarner18) July 11, 2017
Blackmon and Mike Moustakas fell short in the opening round. The semifinals looked like this…
Judge, Miguel Sano, Sanchez, Cody Bellinger
Semifinals
Judge defeated Bellinger — Sano defeated Sanchez
Once again it was Judge putting on a show.
This one is better heard in a different language.
Spanish broadcast of Judge’s 513-ft HR is the best. pic.twitter.com/eqralxvSCe
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) July 11, 2017
Judge and Sano Cap Off Memorable Night
After everything that took place in the hours leading up to the Home Run Derby Finals, including batting practice, you knew that the finals were going to be less than dramatic.
That’s what we saw.
The Minnesota Twins slugger, Sano certainly showed well tonight, but there was really no stopping Aaron Judge on this night. Judge needed just two minutes to surpass the 10 home runs hit by Sano.
He finished the night with three dingers (513, 504, 501) that travelled over 500 feet.
The Greatest Show On Earth: @TheJudge44 wins 2017 @TMobile #HRDerby.
Total HR: 47
Longest Distance: 513 feet
Fastest Exit Velocity: 119 mph pic.twitter.com/xuO7QBw6eo— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2017
