Atlanta, GA—-In a dramatic twist to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta, the National League saw a commanding 6-0 lead evaporate before ultimately securing a thrilling 4-3 victory in the first-ever Home Run Derby swing-off used to decide a tied All-Star Game.
After a six-run head start, the NL watched as the American League stormed back late to tie the game 6-6, forcing extra innings under a new format designed to avoid marathon affairs. Rather than continuing with traditional play, the outcome was decided in a three-hitter, three-swing Home Run Derby for each side—a format debuting for the first time in All-Star Game history.
Despite the blown lead, the NL came out on top thanks to Kyle Schwarber’s perfect 3-for-3 power display, besting the AL’s total of three home runs. Jonathan Aranda, the AL’s final hope, went hitless in his three swings, sealing the win for the National League.
A Tale of Two Games
The NL started hot. In the opening inning, Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. each singled, and Ketel Marte drove them in with a double off AL starter Tarik Skubal, giving the NL an early 2-0 edge.
The lead held steady until the sixth, when the NL lineup broke through again. After Fernando Tatis Jr. walked and Brendan Donovan singled, Pete Alonso crushed a three-run homer off Casey Mize. Corbin Carroll followed later in the inning with a solo blast off Kris Bubic, extending the lead to 6-0.
AL’s Late-Inning Surge
The American League didn’t get on the board until the seventh inning, but it didn’t take long to make things interesting. After Alejandro Kirk singled and Jonathan Aranda walked, Brent Rooker launched a three-run shot off Randy Rodríguez, halving the deficit.
Maikel García drew a walk, stole second, and advanced to third on a throwing error by Hunter Goodman before scoring on a Bobby Witt Jr. groundout to make it 6-4.
The pressure intensified in the ninth. Byron Buxton doubled, and Witt Jr. followed with another double off Robert Suarez, cutting the NL lead to 6-5. Edwin Díaz came in to close, but after a defensive gem by Matt Olson and an infield single by Steven Kwan, the AL tied it at 6-6.
Pitching Notes
For the NL, Paul Skenes, Logan Webb, David Peterson, MacKenzie Gore, Andrew Abbott, and Jacob Misiorowski each tossed scoreless innings. The AL countered with strong performances from Carlos Rodón, Bryan Woo, Joe Ryan, Drew Rasmussen, Carlos Estévez, and Andrés Muñoz, who also kept the NL bats quiet during their stints.
Home Run Derby Swing-Off: A Historic Finish
In lieu of extra innings, the two leagues selected three hitters apiece for a Home Run Derby-style showdown:
Brent Rooker opened for the AL, launching two homers.
Kyle Stowers managed one for the NL.
Randy Arozarena added another for the AL, giving them a 3-1 lead.
Kyle Schwarber then flipped the script, going 3-for-3 with three home runs to give the NL a 4-3 lead.
With the pressure on, Jonathan Aranda couldn’t connect, going 0-for-3 and sealing the NL’s dramatic win. Pete Alonso was slated to hit for the NL but wasn’t needed after Schwarber’s fireworks.
Series Snapshot
NL Victory: Second win in the past three seasons
Since 2013: Just the NL’s second win in the last 12 contests
All-Time Record: AL leads the series 48-45-2
The 2025 Midsummer Classic may be remembered less for the six-run collapse and more for its historic conclusion. For the first time ever, baseball’s brightest stars decided the outcome not with gloves and strategy—but with raw power and three mighty swings.
