Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Wins 2023 Home Run Derby, Julio Rodriguez Steals Show With 41 HRs in Round 1

• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won the 2023 Home Run Derby on Monday night
• He narrowly defeated Randy Arozarena in the final to win the award
• He eliminated hometown favorite Julio Rodriguez in the semis

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had some unfinished business with the Home Run Derby after losing the tournament in heart-breaking fashion in 2019.

He finally got the job done on Monday night.

The Toronto Blue Jays star outlasted Randy Arozarena in the final to claim the title in front of a packed crowd at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington.

Guerrero recorded 25 homers in the championship round but had to sweat it out after Arozarena made a furious late rally. He scored 21 homers before his bonus round of 30 seconds, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.

The Tampa Bay Rays star fell short in his pursuit, though, launching just two dingers during that period to lose 25-23 to Guerrero, per ESPN.

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Baseball

Guerreros make MLB history

The Dominican star celebrated when his victory was confirmed, knowing that he made history with his famous father.

Vlad Jr. and his dad Vladimir Guerrero became the first father-and-son duo to win the Home Run Derby.

Guerrero Jr. was eight years old when his Hall of Famer dad won the Derby back in 2007 at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

He came close to making history in 2019, blasting a record 91 homers in that competition. His efforts weren’t rewarded, though, as he lost to Pete Alonso in the final.

He launched 72 homers this time around, but those numbers were enough to land him the coveted title.

The Blue Jays first baseman easily defeated Mookie Betts in the first round, 26-11.

Rodriguez sets single-season record

Guerrero Jr. then silenced the home crowd in the semifinals when he ousted a worn-down Rodriguez by the score of 21-20.

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Football

The Seattle Mariners star sent the home fans into a frenzy in the opening round when he hit a single-round record 41 homers against Pete Alonso, per Yahoo Sports.

The 22-year-old looked gassed, though, in the following round, as he only recorded 20 homers in his match against Guerrero Jr.

Ohtani’s Home Run Derby appearance

Sports Brief recently reported on the greatest performances of Shohei Ohtani in the Midsummer Classic.

The Japanese star put on a show in the 2021 Home Run Derby, going toe to toe with Juan Soto in the first round.

They needed two extra periods to determine the winner, with Soto escaping with a narrow 31-28 victory.