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Watch: Bryant hammers 22nd HR, ties Duvall for NL lead

Rich Pilling / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant is making a serious case to start the All-Star game, and his power is certainly part of the appeal for voters.

Bryant took New York Mets starter Steven Matz deep for his 22nd home run of the season during the first inning Thursday.

The long ball pushed Bryant into a tie with the Cincinnati Reds' Adam Duvall for the National League lead.

Bryant also became the first Cubs player with 11 home runs in a month since Alfonso Soriano in June 2007, and, in addition, became the first Cubs player with 22 home runs before the start of July since Derrek Lee hit 23 in 2005.

The 24-year-old Bryant is in a close race with Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies for the starting spot in the Midsummer Classic. He led Arenado by 290,000 votes as of Wednesday.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)

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