Kyle Schwarber tied the 42-year-old Pujols’ 13 home runs in regulation, forcing a swing-off. Pujols then slugged seven homers in a minute, and Schwarber could not take care of business.
It was a surprisingly early exit for top-seeded Kyle Schwarber in Monday's Home Run Derby with the National League's leader in homers losing in the first round to Albert Pujols.
Schwarber and Pujols tied with 13 in their three-minute round, with Pujols winning the one-minute swing-off 7 to 6.
Schwarber, who is second in the majors to Aaron Judge with 29 longballs, had the second-shortest odds to win the Derby, behind only back-to-back champion Pete Alonso.
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SIGN UP HERE This was the second Derby for Schwarber, the runner-up in 2018 to Bryce Harper.
Juan Soto won the night, beating Mariners rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez 19-18 in the final round. It was the youngest Home Run Derby final ever with the 23-year-old Soto and 21-year-old Rodriguez.
Schwarber is a busy man this week and will represent the Phillies in Tuesday's All-Star Game from Dodger Stadium. Wednesday and Thursday are complete off days and the Phils resume their season Friday night at home against the Cubs.
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