Semifinals: Arozarena Goes Off, J-Rod Gassed

H

Hannman

Guest
Heading into the semifinals, Rodriguez was the new betting favorite to win the Home Run Derby at +100 odds, or even money. He was ahead of Roberts (+280), Guerrero Jr. (+290), and Arozarena (+600).

Rodriguez knew he needed a big opening round if he wanted to defeat Alonso, so he went full gas during his 41-dinger barrage in the first round. He looked a bit tired in the second round and connected on only 20 home runs. Guerrero needed just 21 home runs to advance to the finals and knock out the young Dominican.

Rodriguez was the runner-up last year when he lost to Juan Soto in the final round of the 2022 Home Run Derby at Dodger Stadium.
On the other side of the bracket, Arozarena defeated Robert to advance to the finals. Robert hit 22 home runs in the semifinals, which wasn’t even close to Arozarena’s second-round bombardment. Arozarena caught fire and connected on 35 home runs in the semifinals. It was the second-most homers in this year’s contest, and Arozarena locked up a spot in the finals against Guerrero.
 
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