Celebrity Hitting Challenge Recap

LAKEWOOD, NJ - Joey Gallo won a surprise Home Run Derby and the Southern Division topped the North in the first Celebrity Hitting Challenge held Monday night at FirstEnergy Park.

The event pitted two teams of celebrities and SAL All-Stars against each other, with the South team winning 1835-1810.

Southern Division Celebrity Leaders: Matt Stairs, 145 points...Kelso of B98.5, 145 points...Doc Gooden, 135 points.

Southern Division All-Star Leaders: Peter O'Brien (Charleston), 250 points...Kevin Plawecki (Savannah), 245 points.

Northern Division Celebrity Leaders: Jim Florentine (comedian), 120 points...Mickey Morandini, 115 points...Jim Dowd, 110 points.

Northern Division All-Star Leaders: Joey Gallo (Hickory), 230 points...Steton Allie (West Virginia), 190 points.

After the Hitting Challenge, three players from each side took part in a Home Run Derby, with David Chester of Greenville and Gallo, who led the league with 22 home runs in the first half, reaching the final.

Gallo, after Chester hit two home runs, hit his 3rd with two outs to spare to claim the title.

Click here for photos from the event.

The ClawStar Spectacular continues on Tuesday night with the 54th South Atlantic League All-Star Game. Tickets are available by calling 732-901-7000 option 2. The gates will open at 5:30 and the first pitch comes up at 7:05.

- BlueClaws -