National League Wins All Star Game in 1st Ever Swing Off

The National League blew a six run lead in the All Star Game on July 15th in Atlanta, with the American League scoring four times in the top of the seventh inning and twice in the ninth. After nine innings, it was 6-6.

But instead of going into extra innings (with rosters that were all used up as the managers work in as many players as possible) with or calling it a tie (as in the 2002 fiasco), baseball took a page from hockey’s shootout and came up with a Swing Off—essentially a mini home run derby. Three players from each team would get three swings each and the team with the most home runs at the end would win the game.

The day before the game, both managers submitted lists of players and alternates for the Swing Off. Generally, the idea was to submit players who had recently been on the field and warmed up as opposed to bringing back starters a couple hours after they had finished. The American League participants were Brent Rooker of the Athletics, Randy Arozarena of the Mariners, and Jonathan Aranda of the Rays. The National League hitters were Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies, Pete Alonzo of the Mets, and Eugenio Suarez of the Diamondbacks. Suarez had been hit in the hand by a pitch during the game, so Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers substituted.

Rooker was the first batter, and he hit a pair of homers. Next, Stowers hit one in his three swings. Arozarena added one to give the American League a 3-1 lead. Next up was Schwarber, who went three for three to make it 4-3 in favor of the NL. Aranda came close to tying it with a fly ball that hit the wall, but in the end, he was 0-3, and the National League won the Swing Off and the game. The final score is recorded as 6-6 with the National League winning on the Swing Off.

Schwarber was the game’s MVP. Alonzo, who did not need to bat in the Swing Off, might have been the MVP if the game ended in regulation, as he had a three run homer. Rooker also had a three run homer for the American League in regulation. With the Swing Off, there was no winning or losing pitcher.