Rhys Hoskins lights up the Home Run Derby, eliminated in the semifinals

Rhys Hoskins nearly took over the Home Run Derby, but fell short

Phillies outfielder Rhys Hoskins was hot during the Home Run Derby, but he fell short of advancing to the finals.

Hoskins dominated the first round and set the tone as the first hitter of the entire derby. He hit 17 home runs, which was tied for the most in that round, without the 30 seconds of bonus time. He knocked out Brewers slugger Jesus Aguilar, who hit just 12.

The slugger dominated in the second round with 20, which included the 30-second bonus time for hitting two balls over 440 feet. His opponent, Cubs star Kyle Schwarber, hit 21 with 30 seconds remaining to knock out the Philadelphia slugger.

Bobby Abreu and Ryan Howard won in back to back years back in 2005-06, and no Phillie has won the derby since Howard.

Even the Big Piece and Gabe Kapler got into the fun:

The Home Run Derby was in some ways a national coming out party for Hoskins with the Phillies not getting a lot of national attention in recent years. Entering the derby as the eight-seed, Hoskins was a major underdog, and we know how underdogs do in Philadelphia.

Unfortunately, that’s the end of the All-Star week for Hoskins after not receiving a roster spot for the All-Star game. Aaron Nola will be Philadelphia’s lone representative, a trend that’s unfortunately grown in recent years.

Overall, the home run derby was much more enjoyable with Hoskins in it, and the fans certainly got into the festivities on social media.

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Hopefully, we see Hoskins keep his home run swing going when the regular season continues next week.