This story was originally published by Dead Spin
ARLINGTON, Texas — A pair of first-time participants have reached the finals of the Home Run Derby as the Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. will go head-to-head with the Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez for the title on Monday night at Globe Life Field.
Both players are looking to become the first in their respective franchise to win the event.
Witt will likely have the crowd support as he grew up just north of the ballpark, going to Colleyville Heritage High School. Witt reached the finals by defeating the Guardians’ Jose Ramirez 17-12 in the semifinals.
Hernandez reached the finals by winning a three-swing swing-off over the Phillies’ Alec Bohm. Both Hernandez and Bohm finished with 14 home runs in the semifinals. Hernandez then homered twice while Bohm homered just once on his three swings.
In the finals, the batters will be given two minutes or 27 balls, whichever ends first, with the same bonus period as the previous rounds with three “outs,” defined as any swing that does not result in a home run. Batters can earn an additional “out” with a home run that travels at least 425 feet in the extra period.
–Drew Davison, Field Level Media
