Offishial News: How Kyle Stowers became first Marlin in 30 years to homer in All-Star Game

[Ely Sussman]

Even after his challenge was deemed unsuccessful, Kyle Stowers was wearing a big smile, and that's what mattered most, right? He had just taken a called third strike on the epitome of a borderline pitch to end the bottom of the eighth inning, striking out for the second straight plate appearance in his MLB All-Star Game debut, but at least he was enjoying himself. Stowers belonged on that field among baseball's best players and he wasn't letting the results damper the final moments of the experience.

Little did Stowers know, there was another chapter still to be written.

The National League team blew its 6-4 lead and went down quietly in the ninth. In lieu of traditional extra innings, the Midsummer Classic would be decided via a "swing-off"—a mini home run derby featuring three participants from each roster. Representing the AL, Brent Rooker, Randy Arozarena and Jonathan Aranda. Representing the NL, Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber and Eugenio Suárez.

Earlier in the night, Suárez was hit by a pitch on the left pinky. X-Rays came back negative, but out of caution, the NL's second-leading home run hitter was understandably scratched from the swing-off. That opened up a spot for Stowers, which happened to be the leadoff spot.

After Rooker gave the AL a 2-0 advantage, Stowers stepped to the plate for his round, with NL third base coach Dino Ebel throwing the balls. Allotted three swings, Stowers popped up the first, snuck the second over Truist's brick wall in right-center field and popped up the third. Although the official box score won't credit him for it, he joined Gary Sheffield (1993) and Jeff Conine (1995) as the only Marlins to ever homer in an All-Star Game.

The real hero of the swing-off was Schwarber, who went a perfect 3-for-3 to put the AL ahead. A homerless round from Aranda ended the contest before Alonso's services were required. Schwarber received All-Star Game MVP honors.

Down on the farm, FCL Marlins won, 10-3, snapping the affiliate's nine-game losing streak. They drew a season-high 14 walks. Fenwick Trimble resurfaced to begin a rehab assignment nearly two months after suffering a hamstring strain. He went 1-for-4 and played seven innings in center field. Aiden May retired all six batters he faced as he continues stretching out as a starter following arthroscopic elbow surgery. Grant Shepardson threw five scoreless innings in relief of him. DSL Marlins won, 7-4. Luis Cova homered and stole two bases. Deivis Mosquera had a career-high 4 RBI. DSL Miami won, 8-3. Pedro Montero lowered his ERA to 1.37. Opponents are slugging .185 against Montero through six career starts. 

More Marlins news and content below: 

🔷 Vote here on which Marlin (with the exception of Stowers) has the best shot of making the 2026 All-Star Game.

🔷 SuperSub Ron Cox assessed the state of the Marlins organization on his View From Left Field blog.

🔷 Another one of our SuperSubs, @Casey Marika, created these interactive charts illustrating how each Marlins position player has accumulated wins above replacement this season.

 

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[THOMAS JOSEPH]

Although I have no interest in the ASG and related events anymore, I am happy for Stowers. He seemed to enjoy his experience thoroughly, topped off by that extracurricular home run.  I hope he rides that high throughout the remainder of the season. As for Stowers' teammates, may the welcome rest and restoration bring them a second wind to close strongly and confound the pundits.