DENVER (AP) — Pete Alonso danced to his second straight Home Run Derby title, besting Shohei Ohtani, Trey Mancini and Juan Soto on a night of record long balls in the thin Rocky Mountain air of Coors Field. The New York Mets first baseman hit 74 total home runs and beat Mancini 23-22 in the final round Monday, joining Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) in winning consecutive titles. Batting second, Alonso trailed 22-17 after the first two minutes of the final round, then hit six homers on six swings over the first 28 seconds of his final minute. Mancini, who returned this season from cancer treatment, was the sentimental favorite, while Alonso was the most animated of the eight sluggers as the longball competition returned after a one-year absence caused by the coronavirus pandemic. With custom bats in the Mets’ royal blue and orange, and matching shoes and batting gloves, Alonso was a human bobblehead, nodding on beat in the batter’s box as he stepped out and danced.... [More]

DENVER (AP) — As five dozen All-Stars sat outside Coors Field ahead of the All-Star Game, they looked forward to the Greatest Sho on Earth. Shohei Ohtani is the starriest of them all, the center of attention for players and fans like no one before at baseball's midsummer classic. Fans cheered when he was introduced Monday at a news conference located outdoors, across the street from Coors Field due to the pandemic. He competed in Monday night's Home Derby and will start on the mound for the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game and hit leadoff as the designated hitter. Ohtani is doing just about everything other than mow the grass and solve the ballpark's mile-high hitter-friendly air currents. “People always say, ‘Oh no, he can’t do that,’ until the guy goes out and does it,” said Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who won his second straight derby. “And then, when he does do it, it’s like, ‘Oh, we knew it the whole time.’” A 27-year-old in his fourth major league season with the... [More]

DENVER (AP) — The Latest on the Home Run Derby (all times local): 8:45 p.m. Pete Alonso of the New York Mets became the third back-to-back Home Run Derby champion, beating No. 6 seed Trey Mancini in the final. Alonso and his blue-and-orange bat went 6 for 6 in a 28-second stretch to give him 23 homers in the final round after Mancini hit 22 in the thin Rocky Mountain air. 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, though — his titles are over three seasons. There wasn’t an event last season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Before stepping to the plate for the final, Alonso danced and sang along with the crowd to Journey’s hit song “Don’t Stop Believin.’” He didn’t stop believing, either. Needing six to win, he made quick work of that. After his winning blast, Alonso flexed for a brief moment, headed toward the mound and then put on a giant chain. Pitching strikes... [More]

2021 — Pete Alonso, N.Y. Mets (Coors Field) 2019 — Pete Alonso, N.Y. Mets (Progressive Park) 2018 — Bryce Harper, Washington (Nationals Park) 2017 — Aaron Judge, N.Y. Yankees (Marlins Park) 2016 — Giancarlo Stanton, Miami (Petco Park) 2015 — Todd Frazier, Cincinnati (Great American Ball Park) 2014 — Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland (Target Field) 2013 — Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland (Citi Field) 2012 — Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers (Kauffman Stadium) 2011 — Robinson Cano, N.Y. Yankees (Chase Field) 2010 — David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox (Angel Stadium) 2009 — Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers (Busch Stadium) 2008 — Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins (Yankee Stadium) 2007 — Vladimir Guerrero, Los Angeles Angels (AT&T Park) 2006 — Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (PNC Park) 2005 — Bobby Abreu, Philadelphia Phillies (Comerica Park) 2004 — Miguel Tejada, Baltimore Orioles (Minute Maid Park) 2003 — Garret Anderson, Anaheim Angels (U.S. Cellular Field) 2002 — Jason Giambi, New York Yankees (Miller Park) 2001... [More]

DENVER (AP) — The Latest on the Home Run Derby (all times local): 8:25 p.m. Mets slugger Pete Alonso took a step closer to defending his Home Run Derby title by beating Juan Soto and advancing to the final. Alonso cruised to 16 homers, eclipsing Soto’s total of 15. The Washington Nationals standout appeared exhausted after pulling off the stunner of the event by knocking off top-seeded Shohei Ohtani in a second tiebreaker. Soto had the farthest homer of the event in the first round, a 520-foot shot. His longest in the semifinals was 481. Wielding his blue-and-orange bat, Alonso hit 14 homers and with 63 seconds left called timeout. He played to the crowd, asking them to cheer. They did. Alonso won the event in 2019. With one more win, Alonso would join Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) as the only back-to-back champions. ___ 8:05 p.m. No. 6 seed Trey Mancini earned a spot in the final of the Home Run Derby by knocking off hometown favorite Trevor Story.... [More]

DENVER (AP) — The Latest on the Home Run Derby (all times local): 8:05 p.m. No. 6 seed Trey Mancini earned a spot in the final of the Home Run Derby by knocking off hometown favorite Trevor Story. The Baltimore Orioles first baseman hit 13 homers, including the winner with 23 seconds left on the clock. Fireworks went off to celebrate his victory over Story, the Colorado Rockies shortstop who finished with 12. Mancini is trying to become the third Orioles player to win the event. He would join Miguel Tejada (2004) and Cal Ripken Jr. (1991). The 29-year-old Mancini returned this season after treatment for colon cancer. Mancini was diagnosed during spring training last year and missed the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. ___ 7:45 p.m. Top-seeded Shohei Ohtani bowed out in the Home Run Derby’s first round, beaten by Nationals star Juan Soto in a scintillating showdown that went to a second tiebreaker. Ohtani struggled early in his first round but rallied during his final minute to match Soto... [More]

DENVER (AP) — The Latest on the Home Run Derby (all times local): 7:15 p.m. Pete 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 at original Yankee Stadium in 2008. He’s trying to join Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) as the only back-to-back Home Run Derby champions. The New York Mets first baseman stood out at the plate for more than just his swing. Alonso, the fifth seed, wore socks with stars on them and swung a blue-and-orange bat. He also danced to music from New York rappers before his bonus minute and fist-pumped when he was done. His farthest homer was 514 feet. ___ 6:35 p.m. Baltimore slugger and No. 6 seed Trey Mancini held off Matt Olson in the opening round... [More]

DENVER (AP) — As five dozen All-Stars sat outside Coors Field ahead of the All-Star Game, they looked forward to the Greatest Sho on Earth. Shohei Ohtani is the starriest of them all, the center of attention for players and fans like no one before at baseball's midsummer classic. Fans cheered when he was introduced Monday at a news conference located outdoors, across the street from Coors Field due to the pandemic. He was to compete in Monday night's Home Derby, start on the mound for the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game and hit leadoff as the designated hitter. Ohtani is doing just about everything other than mow the grass and solve the ballpark's mile-high hitter-friendly air currents. “People always say, ‘Oh no, he can’t do that,’ until the guy goes out and does it,” Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said. “And then, when he does do it, it’s like, ‘Oh, we knew it the whole time.’” A 27-year-old in his fourth major league season with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani will be... [More]

DENVER (AP) — As five dozen All-Stars sat outside Coors Field ahead of the All-Star Game, they looked forward to the Greatest Sho on Earth. Shohei Ohtani is the starriest of them all, the center of attention for players and fans like no one before at baseball's midsummer classic. Fans cheered when he was introduced Monday at a news conference located outdoors, across the street from Coors Field due to the pandemic. He was to compete in Monday night's Home Derby, start on the mound for the American League in Tuesday night's All-Star Game and hit leadoff as the designated hitter. Ohtani is doing just about everything other than mow the grass and solve the ballpark's mile-high hitter-friendly air currents. “People always say, ‘Oh no, he can’t do that,’ until the guy goes out and does it,” Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said. “And then, when he does do it, it’s like, ‘Oh, we knew it the whole time.’” A 27-year-old in his fourth major league season with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani will be... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. will have season-ending surgery to repair a completely torn ACL in his right knee after he was injured during Atlanta’s 5-4 win over the Miami Marlins on Saturday. An MRI showed the severity of the injury and the Braves made the announcement shortly before midnight that their three-time All-Star will be out until at least next year. Acuña landed awkwardly on his right leg after jumping on the warning track in right field to try to catch a drive from Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the fifth inning. The 23-year-old slammed into the outfield wall and crumbled on the warning track, immediately grabbing his right knee while Chisholm sprinted out an inside-the-park homer. The 23-year-old Acuña did not put any weight on his right leg and had to be helped to a cart before being taken from the field. Freddie Freeman had a two-run homer and an RBI single, while Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley ripped doubles as the first three Braves reached base off All-Star pitcher... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. will have season-ending surgery to repair a completely torn ACL in his right knee after he was injured during Atlanta’s 5-4 win over the Miami Marlins on Saturday. An MRI showed the severity of the injury and the Braves made the announcement shortly before midnight that their three-time All-Star will be out until at least next year. Acuña landed awkwardly on his right leg after jumping on the warning track in right field to try to catch a drive from Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the fifth inning. The 23-year-old slammed into the outfield wall and crumbled on the warning track, immediately grabbing his right knee while Chisholm sprinted out an inside-the-park homer. The 23-year-old Acuña did not put any weight on his right leg and had to be helped to a cart before being taken from the field. Freddie Freeman had a two-run homer and an RBI single, while Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley ripped doubles as the first three Braves reached base off All-Star pitcher... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Debates about right and left at the All-Star Game used to deal with pitchers or perhaps batting orders. This year it extends to the political divide in the United States. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred shifted Tuesday’s game to Denver’s Coors Field from Atlanta’s Truist Park because of a Georgia voting law that critics say will negatively affect communities of color. His decision generally was denounced by conservatives and praised by liberals. "Commissioner Rob Manfred moved the All-Star Game from Atlanta, parroting dishonest, partisan talking points,” said a commercial by the Consumers’ Research, a conservative group. “Why is he making baseball political anyway? Because of his terrible record. Viewership way down. Ticket prices way up.” Manfred said he made the decision after discussions with teams, former and current players, the Major League Baseball Players Association and The Players Alliance, an organization of Black players formed after the death of George Floyd... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Nestor Cortes and three relievers combined for a three-hitter and Brett Gardner and DJ LeMahieu each drove in two runs to lead the New York Yankees over the Houston Astros 4-0 on Friday night. Making a spot start, Cortes permitted two hits in 4 2/3 innings, striking out two and walking two and lowering his ERA to 1.05. Lucas Luetge (3-1) pitched 1 1/3 hitless innings for the win. Chad Green gave up one hit in two innings and Jonathan Loaisiga threw a perfect ninth. It was New York’s first visit to Houston since Game 6 of the 2019 AL Championship Series. The Astros advanced to the World Series with a 6-4 win in that game on a two-run homer by Jose Altuve with two outs in the ninth. The Astros are commemorating the event by giving away replica 2019 AL champions trophies on Friday night, 2019 AL champions replica rings on Saturday and Altuve jerseys for the finale on Sunday. GIANTS 5, NATIONALS 3 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Curt Casali hit a two-run homer while filling in for injured... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Nestor Cortes and three relievers combined for a three-hitter and Brett Gardner and DJ LeMahieu each drove in two runs to lead the New York Yankees over the Houston Astros 4-0 on Friday night. Making a spot start, Cortes permitted two hits in 4 2/3 innings, striking out two and walking two and lowering his ERA to 1.05. Lucas Luetge (3-1) pitched 1 1/3 hitless innings for the win. Chad Green gave up one hit in two innings and Jonathan Loaisiga threw a perfect ninth. It was New York’s first visit to Houston since Game 6 of the 2019 AL Championship Series. The Astros advanced to the World Series with a 6-4 win in that game on a two-run homer by Jose Altuve with two outs in the ninth. The Astros are commemorating the event by giving away replica 2019 AL champions trophies on Friday night, 2019 AL champions replica rings on Saturday and Altuve jerseys for the finale on Sunday. GIANTS 5, NATIONALS 3 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Curt Casali hit a two-run homer while filling in for injured... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Nestor Cortes and three relievers combined for a three-hitter and Brett Gardner and DJ LeMahieu each drove in two runs to lead the New York Yankees over the Houston Astros 4-0 on Friday night. Making a spot start, Cortes permitted two hits in 4 2/3 innings, striking out two and walking two and lowering his ERA to 1.05. Lucas Luetge (3-1) pitched 1 1/3 hitless innings for the win. Chad Green gave up one hit in two innings and Jonathan Loaisiga threw a perfect ninth. It was New York’s first visit to Houston since Game 6 of the 2019 AL Championship Series. The Astros advanced to the World Series with a 6-4 win in that game on a two-run homer by Jose Altuve with two outs in the ninth. The Astros are commemorating the event by giving away replica 2019 AL champions trophies on Friday night, 2019 AL champions replica rings on Saturday and Altuve jerseys for the finale on Sunday. CUBS 10, CARDINALS 5 CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks won his ninth straight decision, Patrick Wisdom hit... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani is the top seed for Monday night's All-Star Home Run Derby at Denver's Coors Field and will compete in the first round against Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto, seeded eighth. Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo is seeded second and will face Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story, Major League Baseball said Wednesday. Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson will go against Baltimore Orioles first baseman Trey Mancini, and Kansas City catcher Salvador Pérez will hit against New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who won the last derby in 2019. Seeding was determined by home run total through Tuesday, and ties were broken with 2020 figures. In the case of Mancini, who didn't play last year, 2019 totals were used to break a tie with Alonso. The field was completed Wednesday with Soto and Gallo. Alonso is trying to join Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) is winning consecutive titles. The... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The field is set for the All-Star Home Run Derby after Texas Rangers slugger Joey Gallo and Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto filled the last two spots Wednesday for next week's slugfest at Coors Field in Denver. Gallo has 23 homers after going deep two more times Wednesday, with shots of 462 and 440 feet to become the first Rangers player ever with 10 homers in a 10-game span. The 27-year-old right fielder wasn't in the derby when he was an All-Star for the first time in 2019, but homered on the only pitch he saw in the game. The 22-year-old Soto, a first-time All-Star, began Wednesday with 10 home runs. He announced his participation on Instagram before the Nationals played at San Diego. The two will compete Monday with Los Angeles Angels pitcher-designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Kansas City catcher Salvador Pérez, Oakland first baseman Matt Olson, Baltimore first baseman Trey Mancini and Colorado shortstop Trevor Story in the derby. Alonso won the most recent derby in 2019. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sport

Monday, July 12At Coors Field, DenverAMERICAN LEAGUE EASTTrey Mancini, Baltimore Orioles AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRALSalvador Perez, Kansas City Royals AMERICAN LEAGUE WESTShohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels Matt Olson, Oakland Athletics Joey Gallo, Texas Rangers NATIONAL LEAGUE EASTPete Alonso, New York Mets Juan Soto, Washington Nationals NATIONAL LEAGUE WESTTroy Story, Colorado Rockies

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto is joining Monday's All-Star Home Run Derby at Denver’s Coors Field. The 22-year-old, a first-time All-Star, began Wednesday with 10 home runs. He announced his participation on Instagram before the Nationals played at San Diego. He joins Los Angeles Angels pitcher-designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Kansas City catcher Salvador Pérez, Oakland first baseman Matt Olson, Baltimore first baseman Trey Mancini and Colorado shortstop Trevor Story in the derby. One spot remains open. Alonso won the most recent derby in 2019. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sport

HOUSTON (AP) — Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson is joining the All-Star Home Run Derby at Denver’s Coors Field on July 12. Olson began Tuesday with 20 home runs. He tweeted his participation before the Athletics played at Houston. He joins Kansas City catcher Salvador Pérez, Los Angeles Angels pitcher-designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, Baltimore first baseman Trey Mancini, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and Colorado shortstop Trevor Story in the derby. Alonso won the most recent derby in 2019. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sport