Schwarber Shines in NL Victory at 2025 All-Star Game Derby

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta absolutely delivered. Fans left buzzing after a wild finish—a Home Run Derby-style swing-off that nobody could’ve predicted.

The National League (NL) edged out the American League (AL) 4-3 in the tiebreaker. Nine innings hadn’t settled it, with both teams knotted at 6-6.

Let’s dig into the game’s wildest moments, a few firsts, and the performances that stood out. Kyle Schwarber’s late-game heroics? Yeah, we’ll get there.

A Swing-Off for the Ages

MLB rolled out the Home Run Derby-style tiebreaker back in 2022. In Atlanta, it finally paid off, and wow, what a show.

Nine innings of back-and-forth baseball ended with both sides stuck at six runs. That set the stage for the first-ever All-Star swing-off.

Managers had already picked their trio of sluggers. Truist Park felt electric, almost like everyone realized this was a bit of history in the making.

The Players Who Delivered the Drama

The swing-off brought some serious star power. The NL sent up Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Stowers, and Pete Alonso.

For the AL, Brent Rooker, Randy Arozarena, and Jonathan Aranda got the call. Each hitter got three swings—no room for error.

The AL managed three home runs. But it was Schwarber’s moment, and he didn’t waste it.

Kyle Schwarber’s Unlikely MVP Moment

Schwarber hadn’t exactly impressed in regulation. The Phillies slugger went hitless through nine, and honestly, most folks probably wondered if he’d even get another shot.

But then came the tiebreaker. Schwarber blasted three straight home runs, sending the NL to victory and snagging MVP honors.

He became the first position player to win All-Star MVP without a hit in regulation. That’s the kind of stat you almost have to double-check.

Historic Firsts: The Automated Ball-Strike System and More

The 2025 All-Star Game also tried something new: the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. Each team got two challenges, which added a little extra tension.

Players, managers, and fans watched closely to see how this tech would play out. The ABS didn’t decide the game, but its debut in a marquee event says a lot about MLB’s push for innovation.

A Fond Farewell for Clayton Kershaw?

Another big moment? Clayton Kershaw, legendary pitcher, may have made his final All-Star appearance. He faced just one batter, but his impact went beyond the mound.

Kershaw gave a pregame clubhouse speech that fired up his NL teammates. Later, the league honored him on the field—a well-deserved tribute for a career that’s meant so much to baseball.

Pitching Highlights and Offensive Fireworks

The swing-off grabbed the headlines, but the game itself had plenty of fireworks. Tarik Skubal started for the AL, while Paul Skenes took the mound for the NL.

Skenes brought the heat, touching 100 mph and picking up two strikeouts in his debut. Offensively, the AL pulled off a wild six-run rally to tie things up.

This is why the Midsummer Classic still matters. For one night, you just never know who’ll steal the show.

Narrowing the Gap

The NL’s victory was only their second in the last 12 All-Star matchups. That stat really highlights the AL’s long-running dominance.

This win brought the NL closer in the all-time series, which now stands at 48-44-2 in favor of the AL. For the NL, this wasn’t just about pride—it felt like a real step toward balancing one of baseball’s oldest rivalries.

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will stick in people’s minds as a turning point for how MLB showcases its brightest stars. With a wild swing-off, new game-changing tech, and some unforgettable individual moments, the night had a little bit of everything.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Schwarber lifts NL in 1st All-Star Game HR derby