First out of Derby gate, Rizzo enjoys format
Cubs All-Star belts eight homers as first-timer before falling to Donaldson
CINCINNATI -- Participating in the Gillette Home Run Derby presented by Head & Shoulders for the first time, Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo went up against Josh Donaldson of the Blue Jays in the first round Monday at Great American Ball Park -- and fell, 9-8.
Rizzo struggled in the early going but then heated up -- he also got an extra 30 seconds of time above the four-minute regulation round by hitting two homers 425 feet or further.
But Donaldson got hot early and hit seven homers in the first couple of minutes before taking a time out. Shortly thereafter, he eliminated Rizzo. Donaldson went on to fall in the semifinals to Cincinnati representative Todd Frazier, who went on to win it all.
• Deep goes Frazier! Reds star KOs Derby field
"It was fun," Rizzo said. "You're just out there trying to get as many swings as you can."
Rizzo said it didn't affect him that he had to be the first to try out the new format.
"Nah, you just go out there and have fun," he said. "It's definitely a pretty cool experience."
Video: HRD Rd 1: Rizzo belts fifth homer 426 feet
Teammate Kris Bryant, though, was proud of Rizzo.
"I sure don't think it's easy being that first guy, but he handled it," Bryant said. "He hit some homers. That's all that really matters."
Rizzo chose Cubs staff assistant and coach Franklin Font, who has been his batting practice pitcher for the last two years, to be his pitcher for the Derby.
• Bryant outpaced by Pujols in Derby debut
Font also throws BP to Bryant, but the rookie picked his father, Mike, to throw to him in the event. Bryant was also bested in the first round, falling to Albert Pujols, 10-9.
Video: Kris Bryant's father, Mike, joins IT
Font is experiencing his first All-Star Game presented by T-Mobile since 1997, when he was named to a Minor League honor team. Font, 37, didn't get to participate in that one, though, because he was promoted to the Class A Advanced level.
Font, who primarily helps in the bullpen and with the infielders, said beforehand he likely would be nervous.
"Everybody should be nervous," Font said. "It's not easy -- there's a million people watching us."
Video: Rizzo, Bryant on All-Star honors, Cubs' makeup
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