David Ortiz Shows Resurgence in Home Run Derby Win

After four tries, Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz is finally a winner. Ortiz belted 11 home runs in the final round to outslug Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez at this year’s Home Run Derby in Anaheim, California.

Ortiz totaled 32 home runs to beat Ramirez’s 26 and show that he still has the power to send balls out of the ballpark. The win was very significant for Ortiz, who has struggled for the most part of the season. Ortiz started the Derby with eight home runs, but followed it up with 13 in the semifinals to arrange the showdown with Ramirez, who could only manage five in Round 3. Ortiz’s 11 in the final round made him only the second person to score in double figures in the third round. Bobby Abreu also finished with 11 in the 2005 edition.

Ortiz, the first Red Sox to win the Home Run Derby, said he was just happy to be back at the All-Star after years of struggle. “I’ve been dealing with so many things the past few years…Coming back here [to another All-Star Game], I want to thank the players for giving me the opportunity to be here,” said Ortiz, who appears to have recovered from a slump with 18 home runs and 57 RBIs in the first half of the season.