Published on July 16, 2025 5:46 am
Last Updated on July 16, 2025 5:49 am
The National League outlasted the American League in the 95th All-Star Game behind Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber in an unprecedented Home Run Derby-style swing-off which was used for the first time since being established in 2022. The score was tied at 6 after nine innings before the NL won the swing-off 4-3.
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso’s three-run home run was the big blow as the NL built a 6-0 lead going into the seventh inning. But the AL scored four runs in the seventh and tied the game when down to its last out in the ninth to send the game to its first swing-off.
During the swing-off each of the three players selected to participate was granted three swings and an unlimited amount of pitches to take them.
Brent Rooker led off with two homers for the AL. Kyle Stowers followed with one for the NL. Randly Arozarena then extended the AL’s lead to 3-1, setting the stage for Schwarber who crushed three home runs on his three swings. Needing one homer to tie, Jonathan Aranda bounced one off the top of the right field wall but couldn’t get one out of the park giving the NL the win.
In another first, this year’s exhibition was the first game at the major league level to feature the automated ball-strike system. Major League Baseball is planning on implementing ABS for all games beginning next season.
The rules were the same as the ABS challenge rules introduced during spring training. Only the pitcher, catcher or batter could request a challenge, and the request needed to be immediate without help from the dugout or other players on the field. Five pitches were challenged in the contest.