Cam Collier from Cincinnati and Drake Baldwin from Atlanta each hit solo home runs of around 400 feet as the National League defeated the American League 6-1 on Saturday in the All-Star Futures Game, showcasing top young talents.
Druw Jones of Arizona, who like Collier is the son of a former MLB player, drew a walk with the bases loaded after the NL started the fourth inning with three straight singles against Chicago White Sox pitcher Noah Schultz. Collier struck out, and Aiden Miller was hit by a pitch, bringing in another run.
Baldwin, serving as the designated hitter and batting ninth, extended the NL’s lead to 4-0 with a sacrifice fly against Houston pitcher A.J. Blubaugh on the first pitch.
Collier, named the game’s MVP, began the scoring with a 409-foot home run in the third inning off Los Angeles Angels pitcher Caden Dana, delighting his family who was in attendance.
“My mom, dad, two sisters are all here. It was definitely something cool to do in front of them and be able to look in the stands as I ran the bases. It was something I’ll never forget,” Collier said. “Saw them in the second deck. They were going crazy. It was cool.”
The bat Collier used will be preserved in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Baldwin’s home run in the sixth inning traveled 411 feet into the left-center bullpen.
Jaison Chourio of Cleveland contributed an RBI single for the AL, which managed five hits. Kyle Teel of Boston, the 14th pick in last year’s draft, hit two doubles.
Miami pitcher Noble Meyer earned the win with a scoreless inning, striking out two and walking one.
