LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 18: Albert Pujols reacts #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League while competing in the 2022 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Dodger Stadium on July 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansisian/Getty Images)
Albert Pujols was supposed to be an honorary rider at Derby Home Run. Instead, he succeeded in overcoming the turbulence of the night.
Whenever Albert Pujols was added to the MLB Home Run Derby, most assumed it was more of a career achievement award than anything else. And when the Pujols hit the plate in the first round, facing the top seed on Dodger Court, Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber, it looked like it was.
Pujols was swinging but didn’t hit the ball 440 feet twice to gain extra extra time. As such, he finished his 3:30 with 13 home runs.
However, there was a huge sign of respect from all the players on the field, as 30 seconds before his extra time he was full of love and showed a lot of love.
Albert Pujols Home Run Derby Highlights: The Cardinals’ Star Succeeds in a Big Surprise
But then the incredible happened. Schwarber struggled to find his groove, and after the bonus time, he also finished with only 13 home runs, forcing players to swing for 60 seconds.
Next, the Pujols went out and sent electricity across Los Angeles just enough altitude to cause a blackout, smashing seven zingers for a total of 20.
Schwarber tried hard but couldn’t get it done because he failed. Against all odds, that sent 42-year-old Pujol to the semi-finals and a final with Juan Soto. Schwarber was a great sport, though, showing respect and tipping his hat to Pujols.
You’d have to think that Pujols was only expecting one round of home run flip-flops. So if the machine needs some oil after breaking all the stars, don’t be surprised.
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