Matchup 1: Elliot Jenkins/Andrew Vaughn:
In the first round matchup of the 2023 MLB Pro Home Run Derby, Elliot Jenkins representing the Tampa Bay Rays faced off against Andrew Vaughn of the Philadelphia Phillies. The stage was set for an exciting battle between these two power hitters, each eager to advance to the next round.
Jenkins, a former member of the Seattle Mariners, made a return to his former home stadium. He had been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on March 30th in exchange for Gary Griffith. The matchup held added significance for Jenkins as he faced familiar surroundings.
Jenkins stepped up to the plate first, ready to showcase his power-hitting abilities. With each swing, he launched baseballs into the outfield, displaying his strength and precision. Jenkins put up a respectable performance, hitting a total of 9 home runs, setting the benchmark for Vaughn to surpass.
Up next was Andrew Vaughn, the defending champion of the Home Run Derby. Vaughn had triumphed over formidable opponents in the previous year’s competition, defeating Keston Hiura, Rafael Castilo, and Jose Abreu to claim the title. With his reputation on the line, Vaughn approached the plate with confidence and determination.
As the crowd watched in anticipation, Vaughn unleashed his powerful swings, sending baseballs soaring into the stands. His experience as the defending champion shone through as he displayed exceptional skill and precision. Vaughn hit a total of 10 home runs, surpassing Jenkins’ score and securing his place in the next round.
With his victory, Andrew Vaughn advanced to the next round of the MLB Pro Home Run Derby, showcasing his prowess as a power hitter and keeping his title defense alive. The stage was now set for further intense matchups, with each participant vying for the chance to become the 2023 Home Run Derby champion.
Matchup #2: Bryan Hennessey/Alonso Martinez:
In the second matchup of the MLB Pro Home Run Derby, the stage was set for an exciting showdown between two power hitters: Bryan Hennessey of the Los Angeles Angels and Alonso Martinez representing the Colorado Rockies. Hennessey entered the competition as the current leader in home runs in the American League, while Martinez held the top spot in the National League.
The competition began with Hennessey stepping up to the plate. He wasted no time and unleashed a barrage of powerful swings, launching balls into the stands one after another. Hennessey’s impressive display of raw power resulted in a final tally of 19 home runs, setting a formidable target for Martinez to surpass.
Next up was Martinez, ready to showcase his own prodigious hitting abilities. The Rockies slugger approached the plate with determination, swinging his bat with precision and unleashing a series of majestic shots. Although he put up a valiant effort, Martinez fell just short of matching Hennessey’s total, finishing with a respectable 16 home runs.
With his victory, Bryan Hennessey advanced to the next round, where he would face Andrew Vaughn. The stage was now set for a thrilling semifinal matchup between Hennessey, who had already displayed his incredible power, and Vaughn, who awaited his turn in the competition. The fans eagerly anticipated the clash between these two formidable sluggers, each hoping to secure a spot in the final round of the Home Run Derby.
Matchup #3: Miguel Leon/Masutaro Ohayashi:
In the third matchup of the MLB Pro Home Run Derby, the anticipation was high as Miguel Leon of the Baltimore Orioles went head-to-head against Masutaro Ohayashi representing the Atlanta Braves. The matchup carried an extra layer of intrigue due to the rivalry between the Orioles’ General Manager, Drew, and the Braves’ GM, Brenton, which added an additional level of competition to the event.
As the competition began, the crowd was buzzing with excitement, particularly because Ohayashi had previously played for the Los Angeles Angels, and his time with the team had left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans. Nevertheless, it was time for the sluggers to take the field and let their bats do the talking.
Leon, representing the Orioles, stepped up to the plate first. With a determined look in his eyes, he swung with power and precision, launching baseballs into the distance. His impressive display of strength and technique resulted in a final tally of 15 home runs, setting a formidable target for Ohayashi to surpass.
Next up was Ohayashi, donning the Braves’ colors and ready to make his mark. The crowd’s reaction was mixed, as some fans harbored lingering resentment from his time with the Angels. However, Ohayashi remained unfazed and focused on the task at hand. With each swing, he unleashed an incredible display of power, sending baseballs soaring over the outfield fence. Ohayashi managed to surpass Leon’s total by a single home run, finishing with 16 and securing his spot in the next round.
With his victory, Masutaro Ohayashi advanced to the semifinals, where he would face the winner of the matchup between Mark Baker and Armando Cabanas. As the crowd roared in excitement, showing their support for these beloved players, the atmosphere in the stadium became electric. The stage was set for a thrilling showdown between Ohayashi and his upcoming opponent, and fans eagerly awaited the outcome of the next matchup in the Home Run Derby.
Matchup #4: Mark Baker/Armando Cabanas:
In the final matchup of the first round of the 2023 MLB Pro Home Run Derby, the stage was set for an exciting battle between Mark Baker of the Kansas City Royals and the fan-favorite Armando Cabanas representing the Seattle Mariners. Adding to the intrigue, Baker and Cabanas had been teammates from 2019 to 2022, making this matchup even more special.
Baker, in his first season as a Royal, had already made quite an impact, hitting an impressive 16 home runs. On the other hand, Cabanas, beloved by the Seattle fans, had managed to launch 14 balls out of the park for the Mariners this season.
Baker stepped up to the plate first, determined to make his mark in the competition. He swung with immense power and precision, launching one ball after another into the stands. His remarkable display of strength resulted in a final tally of 19 home runs, tying Bryan Hennessey for the most homers hit thus far in the competition.
The atmosphere at T-Mobile Park was electric as Cabanas, the hometown favorite, prepared to take his turn at bat. The crowd erupted with deafening cheers, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. Cabanas fed off the energy and swung with intensity, sending balls flying into the night sky. While he put up a valiant effort, Cabanas finished the round with 16 home runs, falling just short of Baker’s impressive total. Nevertheless, he left the field to a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd.
With his victory, Mark Baker secured a spot in the semifinals, where he would face Masutaro Ohayashi. The stage was now set for a thrilling showdown between Baker and Ohayashi, as both sluggers had demonstrated their immense power and ability to clear the fences. Fans eagerly awaited the next round of the Home Run Derby, with the anticipation building as the competition progressed.
Semi #1: Andrew Vaughn/Bryan Hennessey:
n the first semifinal matchup of the MLB Pro Home Run Derby, the stage was set for an exciting clash between Andrew Vaughn of the Philadelphia Phillies and Bryan Hennessey representing the Los Angeles Angels. The atmosphere was charged as the two sluggers took the field, ready to battle it out for a spot in the final round.
Vaughn had advanced to the semifinals after narrowly defeating Elliot Jenkins in the first round with a score of 10-9. Meanwhile, Hennessey had put on an impressive display in the previous round, overpowering Alonso Martinez with a score of 19-16. However, Hennessey continued to face boos from the crowd as he represented the Angels, a sentiment that had persisted throughout the competition.
Both Vaughn and Hennessey shared a common thread as they were each 3rd round picks in back-to-back drafts, with Hennessey being selected in 2018 and Vaughn in 2019. This added an interesting dynamic to their matchup, highlighting their respective paths to the Home Run Derby and their potential to become future stars in the league.
Vaughn stepped up to the plate first, determined to showcase his hitting prowess once again. With each swing, he launched balls into the outfield stands, delighting the crowd. Vaughn’s impressive power resulted in a final tally of 14 home runs, setting the target for Hennessey to overcome.
Next up was Hennessey, who faced the resounding boos from the crowd as he represented the Angels. Unfazed by the hostile environment, Hennessey focused on his swings, determined to prove himself. With each mighty swing, he sent baseballs soaring into the night sky, surpassing Vaughn’s total with 15 home runs.
With his victory, Bryan Hennessey advanced to the final round, securing his spot to compete for the championship. He would face either Masutaro Ohayashi or Mark Baker in the final, as fans eagerly awaited the outcome of the second semifinal matchup. The stage was set for an exhilarating conclusion to the Home Run Derby, with Hennessey poised to make a run at the title.
Semi #2: Masutaro Ohayashi/Mark Baker
In the second semifinal matchup of the MLB Pro Home Run Derby, the anticipation was high as Masutaro Ohayashi of the Atlanta Braves faced off against Mark Baker representing the Kansas City Royals. Both sluggers had showcased their power in the earlier rounds, setting the stage for an exciting clash.
Ohayashi had narrowly defeated Miguel Leon in the first round with a score of 16-15. It was reported that he received a thank you text from Braves GM Brenton Heffernan for sending the Baltimore Oriole home early, highlighting the friendly rivalry between the teams.
As Ohayashi took his turn at bat, the fans made their voices heard, giving him a hard time. The crowd was relentless, expressing their displeasure towards the Braves’ slugger. However, undeterred by the boos, Ohayashi unleashed a barrage of powerful swings, sending baseballs flying into the distance. His impressive display of power resulted in a total of 18 home runs, including two impressive shots that traveled beyond the 485-feet mark.
Next up was Baker, representing the Kansas City Royals. The crowd erupted in chants of “BAKER, Baker, Baker,” demonstrating their unwavering support for the Royals’ slugger. Baker initially got off to a slow start, but as the round progressed, he found his rhythm and began launching balls deep into the outfield. With each swing, the crowd grew louder, urging him on. In a thrilling finale, Baker hit his 19th home run in the final seconds, surpassing Ohayashi’s total and securing his place in the final round.
With his victory, Mark Baker advanced to the championship round, where he would face Bryan Hennessey. The crowd celebrated his triumph, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. The fans were treated to a remarkable display of power hitting throughout the Home Run Derby, and the stage was now set for an epic showdown between Baker and Hennessey to determine the winner of the competition.
Final: Bryan Hennessey vs. Mark Baker:
The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown in the final of the MLB Pro Home Run Derby between Bryan Hennessey representing the Los Angeles Angels and Mark Baker from the Kansas City Royals. After an intense series of matchups, these two power hitters have emerged as the last men standing, ready to put on a show for the fans and claim the prestigious title.
Bryan Hennessey has been a force to be reckoned with throughout the competition, impressing the crowd with his raw power and ability to send balls soaring into the stands. Despite facing boos from the crowd due to his affiliation with the Angels, Hennessey has remained focused and determined, delivering remarkable performances in each round. As the leading home run hitter in the American League, he has established himself as a true force in the Derby.
On the other side, Mark Baker has captivated fans with his awe-inspiring display of power hitting. Chants of “BAKER, Baker, Baker” have reverberated through the stadium as he energized the crowd with his explosive swings. His clutch performance in the semifinals, where he hit 19 homers in the final seconds to advance, showcased his ability to rise to the occasion and perform under pressure.
The final matchup promises a clash of titans, with both Hennessey and Baker boasting immense power and a hunger for victory. The crowd’s anticipation is palpable as they await the moment when these two sluggers step into the batter’s box to unleash their thunderous swings. Each home run will be met with a deafening roar from the spectators, heightening the drama and excitement of the event.
Both players have proven themselves throughout the competition, but now they have one final chance to leave a lasting impression and etch their names into Home Run Derby history. The crowd will witness a display of long-ball prowess as Hennessey and Baker unleash their full might in pursuit of the coveted title.
As the sun sets and the lights illuminate the field, all eyes will be on Hennessey and Baker as they face off in the ultimate showdown. The Home Run Derby crown hangs in the balance, and only one of these sluggers will emerge as the champion. The stage is set, the tension is high, and the fans are ready to witness an epic battle between two powerhouses of the game.
Hennessey took the plate first, and the atmosphere was initially charged with jeers from the crowd. However, as he showcased his exceptional power and launched home run after home run, the boos gradually transformed into cheers. With each powerful swing, the fans recognized Hennessey’s incredible talent and began to rally behind him. In an impressive display, Hennessey accumulated a total of 20 home runs, setting a formidable target for Baker to surpass.
Up next was Baker, who returned to Seattle for the first time since leaving the Mariners in free agency. Needing to hit 20 home runs to tie and 21 to win, Baker faced an uphill battle. Despite the pressure, he swung with determination and unleashed his own display of power. However, as the round progressed, Baker fell just short of the required number. He finished with 18 home runs, an impressive total but not enough to claim victory.
With his stellar performance and a total of 20 home runs, Bryan Hennessey secured the title of the 2023 MLB Pro Home Run Derby champion. The crowd erupted in celebration, recognizing Hennessey’s outstanding power-hitting abilities and applauding his well-deserved victory. It was a moment of triumph for Hennessey, capping off an incredible display of strength and skill throughout the competition.
As the confetti rained down and the cheers echoed through the stadium, Hennessey stood as the epitome of a true home run champion. His unwavering focus, determination, and ability to thrive under pressure earned him the prestigious title. The 2023 MLB Pro Home Run Derby will forever be remembered as an exhilarating showcase of power hitting, with Bryan Hennessey standing tall as its deserving victor.