Jordan Walker’s breakout season may have hit a new high in the Home Run Derby on Monday.
Despite entering with the third-longest odds to win it, Walker epically took the Derby, beating the Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber 12-11 in the final round at Citizens Bank Ballpark.
Walker became the first Cardinal to win the event while silencing Phillies fans who thought Schwarber would run away with the title.
They were cheering every time a Walker ball did not leave the park.
They booed everyone except Schwarber and Bryce Harper.
“I was once told you don’t boo nobodies,” Walker said. “So it feels pretty good.”
The Cardinals star needed to hit six home runs in a row, with just one swing left, and did just that.
He hit three home runs in the bonus round to clinch the victory.
Hitters can keep swinging until they make an out on their final attempt.
“He earned it,” Schwarber said.
Walker tied Willson Contreras for the lead with 13 home runs in the first round before hitting six home runs on eight swings in the semifinals, advancing while still leaving seven swings on the board.
The Cardinals star used an Iron Man-themed bat for the Derby, and he’s enjoying a career-best season after struggling to begin his career.
The 24-year-old is hitting .294 with 22 home runs and 74 RBI, and he has helped guide the Cardinals to a surprising 50-45 start despite low expectations.
Walker’s breakout campaign comes just a season after he hit a woeful .215.
“That was impressive,” Schwarber said. “That was impressive what he did.”
