Schwarber preps for Derby, launches 18th HR

Schwarber's 2-run dinger SAN DIEGO -- About five hours before first pitch on Saturday, the Cubs' Kyle Schwarber was working on his home run swing to prepare for Monday's T-Mobile Home Run Derby. All the extra batting practice paid off in the fourth inning against the Padres.

Schwarber connected on a 3-1 fastball from the Padres' Luis Perdomo with a man on for his 18th home run, giving the Cubs a 3-2 lead. It was an opposite-field shot to left, and had an exit velocity of 103 mph, according to Statcast™.

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Schwarber will face the Astros' Alex Bregman in the first round of the Home Run Derby on Monday at Nationals Park, while Cubs teammate Javier Baez will face the Dodgers'…