In a night full of firsts, drama, and big swings, the National League edged out the American League 4–3 in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, thanks to a never-before-seen home run swing-off. Held at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15, the midsummer classic delivered fireworks in more ways than one.
With the game tied 6–6 after nine innings, extra innings were scrapped in favor of a three-swing tiebreaker format, borrowing from the home run derby. Each team picked three batters, each given three swings. And in true All-Star fashion, it came down to the final few cracks of the bat.
Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies delivered the game-winner with three home runs on three swings, capping off a comeback night for the NL. Despite going 0-for-2 with a walk during the game, Schwarber’s clutch performance earned him MVP honors — making him the first Phillies player to win it since Johnny Callison in 1964.
The AL had clawed back from a 6–0 deficit late in the game. Cleveland’s Steven Kwan tied things up with a gritty infield single in the top of the ninth, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. from third. That came right after Witt Jr. had doubled in Byron Buxton, bringing the score to 6–5 and giving the AL life. Kwan, a defensive replacement who entered in the seventh, made the most of his moment.
But the night belonged to the long ball. Brent Rooker’s three-run homer in the seventh got the AL on the board, halving the NL’s lead. Witt Jr. added an RBI groundout later that inning, and the momentum had clearly shifted.
Earlier, the NL had jumped ahead behind a two-run double from Ketel Marte in the first inning. Pete Alonso mashed a three-run shot in the sixth, followed by Corbin Carroll’s solo blast to give the NL what looked like a comfortable 6–0 cushion.
Then came the swing-off.
Brent Rooker, Randy Arozarena, and Jonathan Aranda represented the AL and hit three total homers. But Schwarber and Kyle Stowers responded with four, ending it before Pete Alonso even needed to take his turn.
There were plenty of side stories too. Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski, a controversial last-minute roster addition, threw a scoreless eighth inning in a high-pressure spot, topping 100 mph with his fastball. MLB also tested its Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system during the game, and by all accounts, it worked smoothly. Players were allowed to challenge calls at the plate, and several were successfully overturned.
The aesthetics were a throwback too. For the first time since 2018, All-Star players wore their own team uniforms rather than special All-Star jerseys. Fans and players alike applauded the return to tradition.
And in a touching moment, Major League Baseball honored Hank Aaron with a tribute to his iconic 715th home run. The celebration was fitting in a city where Aaron made history, and where the game itself found a historic new twist.
With the win, the NL now trails the AL 48–45–2 in the all-time All-Star series. It marked just their second victory in the last 12 games — but perhaps their most memorable.
Regular season play resumes Friday, but after this All-Star spectacle, it’ll be hard to top the midsummer magic that unfolded in Atlanta.
