WASHINGTON -- After an emotional semifinal round lifted him to the finals of the T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Monday night at Nationals Park, Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber was edged out, 19-18, by hometown hero Bryce Harper, who became the Derby champion.
In the semifinals, Schwarber raised his arms, imploring the crowd to get behind him as he chased Rhys Hoskins' lofty home run total.
And then, in the final seconds of his second-round showing, Schwarber gave them plenty to cheer. His 429-foot blast to the third deck gave him the 21-20 edge over Hoskins and advanced Schwarber to the finals.