MLB All-Star 2025: Schwarber’s 3 HRs on 3 swings lift NL in first swing-off

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be remembered for years to come, thanks to a thrilling finish that saw the National League emerge victorious in the first-ever All-Star swing-off. With the score tied 6-6 at the end of the ninth inning, the game was decided by a mini-Home Run Derby, where each team sent three players to the plate with three swings each. Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber stole the show, delivering an impressive 3-for-3 performance, including three home runs, to put the NL ahead and secure the win. Schwarber's clutch hitting earned him the All-Star Game MVP award, capping off an unforgettable night. The NL had jumped to a 6-0 lead in the sixth inning, thanks to homers from New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll. Alonso's three-run shot off Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic was the biggest hit of the night, prior to the swing-off. However, the American League refused to give up, erasing the deficit with a seventh-inning rally. Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker, who had been eliminated from the Home Run Derby earlier in the week, added another dinger to his total with a three-run shot. The AL continued to chip away, eventually tying the game in the ninth inning and forcing the swing-off. The swing-off was a nail-biting affair, with Rooker giving the AL an early lead with two long balls. However, Schwarber's heroics put the NL ahead, and the senior circuit never looked back. Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers and Alonso also contributed to the NL's total, with Alonso's performance in the final round securing the win. The AL's Jonathan Aranda went 0-for-3, leaving the door open for the NL to take the game. The final score was 7-6, with the NL notching its second All-Star Game win in three years and only its fifth in 28 years. The game was not without its controversies, including the debut of Milwaukee Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski, who was added to the All-Star roster despite having made only five starts in his career. Misiorowski's electric arsenal, including a fastball that sat in triple digits, made him a compelling watch, and he delivered a scoreless eighth inning. On the other end of the velocity spectrum was Los Angeles Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw, who topped out at 89 mph but still managed to get his two batters out in the second inning. Kershaw's mic'd-up appearance on the Fox broadcast was a highlight of the game, showcasing his personality and sense of humor. The All-Star Game also featured the first-ever use of the automatic ball-strike challenge system, with five players challenging calls from the umpires. The system, which has been tested in the minor leagues and spring training, was well-received by players and fans alike. The game also included a poignant tribute to Hank Aaron, with a stunning light show and fireworks display after the sixth inning. Aaron's 88-year-old widow, Billye Aaron, was in attendance, providing a touching moment in an already unforgettable game. In the end, the 2025 MLB All-Star Game was a resounding success, with the swing-off providing a thrilling conclusion to an already exciting game. Schwarber's heroics will be remembered for years to come, and the game's innovative use of technology and tributes to baseball legends made it a truly special event. As the season heads into its second half, fans will be talking about this game for weeks to come, and the NL's victory will be a momentum boost for the rest of the year.