D'Antona Wins Home Run Derby In Triple Overtime

Published on July 15, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release


Louisville, KY - After two tie-breakers in the final round, Tucson Swidewinders infielder Jamie D'Antona edged past Toledo Mud Hens infielder Mike Hessman with a line-drive home run that just cleared the left field fence on the final pitch to win the 2008 Papa John's Home Run Derby at Louisville Slugger Field in front of 11,575 fans.

The derby started initially with six contestants, three from the International League and three from the Pacific Coast League. International League contestants included Hessman, along with Jeff Bailey and Jonathan Van Every, both from the Pawtucket Red Sox. Fellow Pacific Coast League players Matt Brown of the Salt Lake Bees and Jason Smith of the Omaha Royals joined D'Antona to round out the field.

In the opening round, Hessman and Van Every each advanced with two homers apiece, but multiple tiebreaker rounds were needed before Smith and D'Antonia both advanced to the semifinal round of four.

The second round of the derby featured the most home runs, with D'Antonia and Hessman each hitting three long balls to advance to the final stanza. D'Anonia also hit a home run on his final pitch of the second round to move on to the championship frame.

Each player was given 10 outs to hit as many home runs as possible, with any ball not leaving the yard being called an out. All tiebreaker rounds were scored the same, but each player was only allotted three outs.

The 2008 Meijer Triple-A All-Star game will be held on Wednesday evening at 7:05PM at Louisville Slugger Field. A limited number of lawn seats and standing room only tickets are available for $16 each. For ticket information please contact the Bats office at (502) 212-2287.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 15, 2008


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