New York/New Jersey first baseman Kellie Wilkerson defeated Akron outfielder Iyhia McMichael in the finals of the inaugural NPF Home Run Challenge, which took place prior to Wednesday night’s All-Star Game. 

Wilkerson hit eight home runs in he three-round contests, including two in the final round to oust McMichael, who failed to hit a long ball in the final. 

Both Wilkerson and McMichael tallied four-home run rounds. Wilkerson’s came in the first while McMichael belted four in the semifinal. 

Texas’ Lindsay Gardner hit one homer in the semifinal round to finish third. The Thunder second baseman advanced to the semifinal after hitting three straight deep balls in a playoff with Juggernaut shortstop Lyndsey Klein and Texas third baseman Clare Burnam, both of which failed to hit a homer. 

California third baseman Jaime Foutch was the fourth semifinalist, advancing after hitting two in the first round. 

The six players were each allowed ten outs in the first round, with each non-home run counting as an out. The four semifinalists were given seven outs, while the finalists were allowed five outs.