The rain almost prevented the 2012 New York-Penn League Home Run Derby from taking place.  Before a rain delay halted the official game itself, the derby took place.  Chris Serritella, representing the Williamsport Crosscutters got by Mahoning Valley’s Joe Sever in the finals to win the award.

Serritella said this was all new to him.  “I have never competed in a home run derby before, it was a lot of fun and I am very happy to have won.”

Serritella has five regular season home runs for the Crosscutters this season but said the long ball has been his ticket.

“I have always been a home run type of hitter, so it was real rewarding to win something like this.”

Sever, the lone Scrappers participant in the contest had a blistering first round with five bombs.  It was definitely a showcase of the power potential the Indians envisioned when drafting the All-Star DH.

“Sever always hits home runs in batting practice”, said Craig Antush, the Scrappers batting practice pitcher.  “He gives a full, maximum effort and really swings coming out of his shoes.”

In the end, however, it was Serritella (above) who walked away with the hardware in an entertaining display of power-hitting.

Players from both teams stood outside their respective dugouts and cheered for their one-day only teammates.  Charlie Valerio and Luis DeJesus ran out to Sever during the first round after Sever launched his fourth fence-clearing shot with Gatorade and toweling down the slugger.