Washingtons Bryce Harper claims home run title in his home park
Bryce Harper may have entered the All-Star break with a disappointing .214 batting average, but last night was all about his power.
The Washington Nationals outfielder won the Home Run Derby in his home ballpark, defeating Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber, 19-18.
Harper was down 18-9 with about 80 seconds remaining in the finals before ending with a flourish, taking advantage of his 30-second bonus time to overtake Schwarber.
He homered on nine of his last 10 swings before entering extra time.
Harper is the third player to win the derby in his home ballpark.
Harper banged out 13 homers in each of the first two rounds to eliminate Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman and Dodgers utilityman Max Muncy.
Schwarber advanced to the finals by outhomering Phillies first baseman/outfielder Rhys Hoskins, 21-20 in Round 2.
The derby is the annual precursor to tonight's All-Star game.