PHILADELPHIA - The packed stadium rose in anticipation as hometown star Kyle Schwarber aimed to capture his first Home Run Derby title on his third attempt.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker produced a thrilling finish instead, connecting for six straight home runs in the championship round to surprise the Phillies supporters. He became the first player in Cardinals history to claim the Derby title.

"I cannot put into words what this victory means," Walker said. "There were many swings and plenty of pressure, but I focused on enjoying the experience no matter the outcome. I had a great time in every round."

Walker finished with 12 home runs in the final to Schwarber's 11 and sealed the win via a 407-foot blast to left field.

"I knew I held an advantage, yet anything remains possible," Schwarber said. "Jordan was outstanding in that moment, and it is difficult to overstate how he slowed things down to stay locked in."

Schwarber advanced by beating Willson Contreras in the semifinals, while Walker outlasted Junior Caminero. Philadelphia first baseman Bryce Harper exited after the first round with only eight home runs, joining Jac Caglianone (8), Munetaka Murakami (9) and Ben Rice (7).

"It was a fine experience," Harper said. "I wished for a stronger streak, but I enjoyed every moment. I thought Kyle would earn his first win, yet Walker hit several in a row to take it. That was impressive."

The crowd cheered loudest against any challenger facing the local favorites. They voiced their disappointment when Contreras fell to Schwarber and also attempted to derail Walker.

"My sense was that Philly is intense," Walker said of the fans. "Honestly. Still, it feels special because they support their players with such passion, which is exactly what you want at a home site."

Players enjoyed the revised format allowing 20 untimed swings in round one, 15 in the semifinals and 15 more in the final. Walker totaled 31 home runs, matching Schwarber's count. The league leader noted the hometown energy left him overly excited.

"From the first pitch I felt I was swinging too hard and pushing too much because I wanted to succeed for the crowd," Schwarber said. "I told myself to ease up since the atmosphere is lively and it affects you."

Standout moments included Caminero's 491-foot homer in round one, the longest of the night. It landed one foot beyond Contreras' best, a 490-foot drive also in round one. Yet Walker's dramatic conclusion quieted the stadium.

"As the ball carried farther my excitement built," Walker said of his winning homer. "Once it cleared the stands I lost track for a moment and celebrated with my teammates."