Clutch hits from Bobby Witt Jr. and Steven Kwan in the ninth inning tied the game up 6-6. With both teams out of pitchers, the game went into its first-ever Home Run Derby competition to decide the winner after both teams ran out of pitchers.
The Home Run Derby at the end of the 2025 All-Star Game consisted of three hitters from each team, with each receiving three swings.
Brent Rooker (2), Randy Arozarena (1), and Jonathan Aranda (0) represented the American League, while Kyle Stowers (1), Kyle Schwarber (3), and Pete Alonso (N/A) stepped up to the plate for the National League.
And Phillies All-Star Schwarber came up clutch for the NL to give them the win!
Schwarber won the 2025 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player after hitting three home runs in his three swings in the Home Run Derby. He is the first non-pitcher in MLB All-Star Game history to win the MVP without getting a hit in the game itself.
This is now the second win in the past three years for the NL after the AL went on a nine-year win streak (2013-2022).
Before getting into the game's highlights that capped off this unbelievable night, take the time to watch (or re-watch) the incredible tribute to Atlanta Braves and MLB legend Hank Aaron that celebrated his iconic 715th home run on 07/15 at the Braves' ballpark.
One moment that some could say was the best of the entire night.
All-Star Game Highlights
Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star Paul Skenes got things started for the NL, striking out his first two batters before getting Yankees star Aaron Judge to ground out to end the inning.
Skenes is the first pitcher to start the All-Star game in each of his first two seasons.
Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Ketel Marte got things started for the NL, hitting a two-run double in the first inning, giving his squad the early 2-0 lead.
It was the first time all year that AL Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers) allowed at least two hits in the first inning.
However, Skubal struck out Manny Machado (San Diego Padres) with the first challenge used at the MLB level during the regular season.
The call, originally ruled a ball, was overturned to a strike after using the ABS challenge system.
The second inning belonged to Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Clayton Kershaw, who recorded two outs in his short outing, providing hilarious commentary along the way.
Kershaw recently reached 3,000 career strikeouts just before the All-Star break.
New York Mets slugger Alonso cranked the game's first home run to give the NL a commanding 5-0 lead.
Alonso's homer is his first despite being in his now fifth All-Star game.
Diamondbacks All-Stars continued to shine, as Corbin Carroll hit a solo home run to put the NL up 6-0.
His solo shot also marked his first All-Star Game home run in his two appearances.
But the AL wouldn't go away as Home Run Derby participant Rooker (Athletics) hit a pinch-hit three-run home run to cut the lead in half in the seventh inning.
This is also Rooker's first All-Star Game home run in his second appearance.
Rooker's and Alonso's homers marked the first time in All-Star Game history that had multiple 3+ run home runs.
In that same inning, Royals All-Star Bobby Witt Jr. grounded out to shortstop, scoring his teammate Maikel Garcia from third to put the AL's fourth run on the board to make it a 6-4 game.
Then, in the top of the ninth inning, Witt came around again, putting up an RBI double to just cut it to a one-run lead (6-5) as the National League go down to their final pitcher.
Up to bat comes Steven Kwan as he hits a game-tying RBI single to send the 2025 All-Star Game into the first-ever Home Run Derby to win it all!