Trailing 18-9, Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper launched an amazing comeback en route to victory in Monday's Home Run Derby in his home field at Nationals Park.
Before a crowd of 43,698 fans, Harper clobbered nine home runs in the last 50 seconds of the final, including one at the horn to tie Chicago Cubs' Kyle Schwarber. Then, he hit one out of the park in bonus time to win the trophy, sending a pro-Nationals crowd into frenzy.
"That's the kid you see out there tonight," says Harper, who was wearing a D.C. flag bandana around his head throughout the competition. "I was fortunate to share that and show that to the fans. That wasn't only for me and my family and everybody like that, but this is for the cook, the guy who that works the front and the people that work upstairs."
Harper, who lost to Yoenis Cespedes in the 2013 final at Citi Field, dedicated the win to the city of D.C. With the win, Harper became just the third player to capture the Home Run Derby trophy in his home ballpark, joining Todd Frazier for the Reds in 2015 and Ryne Sandberg of the Cubs in 1990.
Monday's Home Run Derby also made history as the eight participants combined for 221 long balls, the most in the event's history. Schwarber finished with 55 overall while Harper finished with 45.
Harper Thanked Father For Pitching To Him
After his win, Harper thanked his father, Ron, who served as his pitcher. For his part, Ron said he's very happy to help his son win after missing the first time out in New York.
"He did great. So I'm really proud of him. I love him to death, man. He's a great kid. You couldn't ask for anything better," said Ron, who's been suffering some shoulder issues.
Schwarber Gracious In Defeat
En route to the finals, Harper edged Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman in the first round via a score of 13-12. Then, Harper defeated Los Angeles Dodgers Max Muncy via the same score in the second round.
"I knew he had the home crowd behind him, and he's a prolific power hitter with a great swing," Schwarber says. According to the slugger, he accepted his fate when he saw Harper hit a string of homers.
Schwarber also thanked Harper on Twitter, admitting that he ran out of gas at the end, but he enjoyed the competition. Schwarber reached the final round after beating Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Rhys Hoskins, 21-20, in the semis.
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