Just last week we learned that Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant would not only be representing the Chicago Cubs in the 2015 MLB All-Star Game but in the Home Run Derby as well.
Rizzo was the first batter up in the Home Run Derby and got off to a slow start. Rizzo had a tough time finding rhythm with his pitcher and called a timeout to settle things down. Rizzo ended up with eight home runs but was eliminated by Toronto Blue Jays’ third baseman Josh Donaldson who hit nine.
Cubs third baseman Bryant battled against future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols in the last bracket of the first round. Bryant hit nine home runs but Pujols eliminated him with just seconds left on the clock. While both of the North Side’s young stars did not advance beyond the first round, there was still a lot of pride among Cubs fans and both players showed great sportsmanship throughout the event.
No matter how old @KrisBryant_23 gets, some things never change: http://t.co/DE8R9YI8Ns pic.twitter.com/wWuFYVXUvl
— Cut4 (@Cut4) July 14, 2015
The Home Run Derby featured a new format this season which gives each hitter four minutes to hit as many long balls as possible. The new timed format seemed to be a hit among players and fans.
Rizzo made the All-Star roster for the second consecutive season and started the game as the designated hitter for the National League. Rizzo went 0-2 with a groundout and pop out in his two plate appearances. Bryant stepped into the box for the first time in the seventh inning for his All-Star Game debut. Bryant drew a walk in his first plate appearance and flied out his second time up.
The American League defeated the National League 6-3 to secure home field advantage in the World Series. Mike Trout won the All-Star MVP and became the first player in MLB history to win the All-Star MVP award in back to back seasons.
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