Cincinnati Reds slugger Frazier wins Home Run Derby

Cincinnati Reds slugger Todd Frazier defeated Los Angeles Dodgers centerfielder Joc Pederson 15-14 in the final Monday to win the Major League Baseball Home Run Derby.

Taking batting practice-style pitches from his brother Charlie, the Reds' third baseman blasted the deciding homer over the left-field fence in the annual showdown of sluggers.

Cheers erupted from the crowd of home supporters at the Great American Ballpark as Frazier became the first hometown player to win the homer contest in a quarter century.

"I'm glad it came here so they could enjoy it with me," Frazier said.

Frazier became the first host player to win the slugging contest since Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs in 1990.

The homer-hitting skills contest came on the eve of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at the same venue.

Frazier had lost in last year's contest, inspiring him for this year.

"It pushed me a lot," Frazier said. "I worked a lot in the off-season."

Los Angeles Angels' 35-year-old first baseman Albert Pujols blasted a homer as time expired to edge Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant 10-9 in the opening round of the eight-man knockout event.

That sent Pujols against Pederson, a 13-12 winner over Baltimore third baseman Manny Machado in another first-round matchup.

Frazier ousted Texas designated hitter Prince Fielder, the 2009 and 2012 derby winner, by 14-13 while Toronto's Josh Donaldson downed Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo 9-8 in the opening round.

In the semi-finals, Frazier edged Donaldson 10-9 and Pederson beat Pujols 12-11.
Source: AFP