July 4, 2012
Horan qualified for finals of home run derby
He finished second to Fresno State's Aaron Judge

OMAHA, Neb. Fresno State’s Aaron Judge beat out Virginia Tech’s Tyler Horan and LSU’s Mason Katz to become the third TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby champion last night at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha (Neb.) in front of 22,403 people. The event will be televised nationwide at 2 p.m. EDT on Saturday, July 7, on CBS.

With only one out remaining and trailing Horan by three in the final round, Judge blasted four consecutive home runs plus the bonus ball – worth two – to take an insurmountable lead prior to Katz' turn. The Bulldogs’ 6-foot-7 sophomore hit a total of 16 home runs in the three-round competition. After the first town rounds, Katz led with a combined 12 home runs; Judge and Horan tied with eight, setting up the three-player final.

Major League Baseball legend and 1985 Heisman Trophy Winner Bo Jackson served as the honorary hitting coach for participants.

“It was a great night for college baseball,” said Bill Gerber, chief financial officer at TD Ameritrade. “On behalf of our more than 6,000 associates, we congratulate Judge and wish him the best of luck next season. We hope to see him return to the College Home Run Derby in 2013.”

The event also recognized Davidson College’s Drew Gadaire, recipient of the first Fan’s Choice Award presented by TD Ameritrade. The award recognizes college baseball players who are positive role models on and off the field and exemplify core values such as teamwork, integrity and the drive to win. The winner was determined by the fans through a six-week Facebook competition that amassed more than 20,000 votes.

For more information about the TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby, including behind the scenes content, “Like” us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/collegehomerunderby) or follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/CollegeHRDerby).

The 2012 TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby was produced and marketed by Intersport, in conjunction with TD Ameritrade.

For updates on Virginia Tech baseball, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_Baseball).

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