Stepping out onto the field in a packed house at T-Mobile Park, filled with screaming fans and the best players in the world spectating – all of whom just witnessed a hometown hero Julio Rodriguez hit 41 home runs in the first round of the Home Run Derby, Pete Alonso he knew it was going to take all he could to be able to move on to the second round.
As he was watching Rodriguez put on a show for all in attendance, Alonso said he was thinking, “I got to match it.” However, J-Rod’s performance, which was the greatest power display in a single round in the history of the Home Run Derby, was simply too much to overcome.
“That was stupid,” Alonso said. “It’s a reason why it’s a historic number and I don’t think you’re gonna see that number for a really long time. I mean 41, my heavens. That was an incredible performance and good for him.”
Last to hit among the eight sluggers to take part in the event, Alonso saw hitters before him hit anywhere from Mookie Betts‘ 11 home runs to the No. 1 overall seed Luis Robert Jr.‘s 28 dingers.
That was before Rodriguez stepped up to the plate and made history.
“Great environment, but I thought I put on a good show and just unfortunately ran into a buzzsaw,” Alonso said. “[Rodriguez] had a ridiculously historic round and that was incredible to watch and good for him and good for Seattle. That’s awesome.”
Alonso ended his round with 21 home runs, a respectable number and yet still 20 away from what the Mariners’ outfielder accomplished.
The previous record for most home runs in a single round of the derby came in 2019 when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched 40 in the first round. The Blue Jays’ first baseman finished with 91 home runs that year which remains a derby record for total home runs hit, however he lost to Alonso in the final round of that contest.
“It’s a blast to be able to participate,” Alonso said. “Obviously, I play to win. I’m in it to win it, but it’s super fun. It’s a really fun event. I think it showcases some really incredible talent in the game of baseball.”
Alonso’s exit via Rodriguez marks the second straight year the 22-year-old knocked out the two-time derby champion. Last year, Rodriguez eliminated the Mets’ first baseman in the second round, 31-23, at Dodger Stadium.
After he was eliminated this time around, Alonso said that he hopes Rodriguez finishes the job and wins the whole thing.
“Julio was on fire in that round and I hope he takes it home,” he said. “That’s special, not just for him, but for the fans here in Seattle.”
Guerrero Jr. ended up beating Rodriguez in the second round, 21-20, before defeating Randy Arozarena in the finals, 25-23, for his first Home Run Derby championship, joining his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr.who won the competition in 2007.