Erika Piancastelli wins MLB Home Run Derby X MVP in London

Erika Piancastelli wins MLB Home Run Derby X MVP in London
10/07/2022
Team Italy softball slugger Erika Piancastelli put on quite a show at the MLB Home Run Derby X at London's Crystal Palace Park, where she won MVP honors as a member of the New York Yankees on Saturday, July 9, 2022

In round one of MLB Home Run Derby X against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Erika Piancastelli hit five home runs and picked up 13 points to help the New York Yankees win. Then she went on to blast another six home runs and score 12 points to beat the Boston Red Sox in the final round. As a result of her outstanding performance, Erika Piancastelli won MVP honors.

Nick Swisher, Richard Brereton and Mexican gymnast Daniel Corral were her New York Yankees teammates. Erika Piancastelli admitted, "I did not expect to be the MVP. But it is something that happens when you are surrounded by such special people and atmosphere."

She received a pep talk from teammate Nick Swisher during her timeout. Erika Piancastelli said, "It's his energy. I need him next to me at all times. He was honest. He said, 'You're here for the fans. You're where you're supposed to be, just have fun.' That allowed me to calm down, I didn't feel like I had to do something. That took a lot of pressure off of me."

The next MLB Home Run Derby X Series will take place in Seoul, South Korea on September 17, 2022 and in Mexico City, Mexico on October 15, 2022. Forza #Italia!

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(Photo courtesy of MLB)