DENVER (AP) — Pete Alonso of the New York Mets became the third back-to-back Home Run Derby champion, beating No. 6 seed Trey Mancini as part of the All-Star Game festivities Monday.
The 26-year-old Alonso joins Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) as the only players to win two straight. Alonso has one distinction.
Alonso began his Home Run Derby title defense in grand style by swatting a first-round record 35 homers to knock off Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals.
The fourth-seeded Perez finished with 28 homers, which would’ve won the previous two matchups.
Alonso’s burst was the most in the first round, topping the 28 by Josh Hamilton in 2008.
Perez is the American League’s starting catcher for tonight’s summer tilt.
HANK AARON is being celebrated at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game as if it was in Atlanta.
