Did ESPN accidentally rob Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber in Home Run Derby?

Phillies fans think ESPN miscounted Kyle Schwarber’s home runs in Home Run Derby

Albert Pujols’ triumphant first round of the 2022 Home Run Derby was an instant classic, the feel-good moment of the summer, the perfect last hurrah for one of baseball’s greatest stars, and also, a stunning upset.

Or was it?

Not long after Pujols beat Kyle Schwarber 20-19 to advance to the semifinals, several Twitter users pointed out that ESPN appeared to miscount Schwarber’s home runs in the tiebreaker round.

Watching in real time, it certainly looked like the Philadelphia Phillies slugger tied Pujols at the last second, but the balls fly so fast. The assumption is that ESPN keeps track better than the folks watching at home.

However, several other Twitter users noted that Karl Ravech also called home run No. 17 for a ball that didn’t actually leave the yard. If so, the 20-19 score would stand.

In moments like these, angry fans love to cry “rigged!” Unhappy with certain outcomes, they’ll say that the magically improbable is actually an MLB script, decided by the powers that be. To that, I say, why ruin a good thing?

Phillies fans have a right to be upset that Schwarber didn’t go further in the derby, but ultimately, his low production has nothing to do with the broadcast or any outside factor. Besides, better he should save those home runs for games that count and let Pujols have his moment.

Update:

While the live on-air call was incorrect, the tally of home runs has been verified.