Cincinnati Reds star and All-Star Game spokesman Todd Frazier won the Home Run Derby in Cincinnati on Monday, outslugging Dodgers rookie Joc Pederson 15-14 in the final round.
Unsettled weather had earlier threatened to rain off the event, but after a quick downpour, the competition went ahead. The rain, however, could affect Tuesday night’s All-Star Game, NBC reports.
The rules of the Home Run Derby were amended this year. Typically, sluggers are pitted against each other to see who can hit the most home runs in a five-minute time limit. With the inclement weather, the MLB changed the format to bracket structure, and the time limit was shortened to four minutes, adding a sense of urgency to the hitting game. Players also received an additional 30 seconds if they hit at least two 425-ft. home runs. Frazier was awarded one of these 30-second extensions en route to victory.
The Home Run Derby is one of the festivities at Major League Baseball’s All-Star weekend in Cincinnati, hosted by the Reds, which culminates in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
Frazier was a favorite throughout the night as Reds supporters cheered him on through every home run, AP says. “No pressure here with these fans,” he said after accepting his trophy.
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