Adley Rutschman adds new wrinkle to Home Run Derby as switch hitter #Adley #Rutschman #adds #wrinkle #Home #Run #Derby #switch #hitter

SEATTLE (AP) — Adley Rutschman added a new wrinkle to the Home Run Derby, even if it didn’t result in a victory.

Rutschman displayed his power from both sides of the plate as a switch hitter, swatting a combined 27 homers in his first-round matchup on Monday night.

Rutschman had the crowd roaring during the initial 3-minute round, hitting 21 homers left-handed. Rutschman’s longest homer left-handed was a 445-foot shot that reached the third level of right field at T-Mobile Park.

Baltimore Orioles' Adley Rutschman runs out of the box while hitting an infield single against the Minnesota Twins in the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 2, 2023, in Baltimore. The Orioles won 2-1. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles said he will participate in the Home Run Derby on July 10 in Seattle as he attempts to become the first catcher to win the event.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jose Berrios throws a pitch to the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos had his bid for a no-hitter end in the seventh inning on a single by Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman.

Baltimore Orioles' Adley Rutschman (35) is doused by teammates after hitting a walkoff solo home run against Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Trevor May during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

BALTIMORE (AP) — For the first time in his major league career, Adley Rutschman was the focal point of a celebration at home plate that featured laughter, high-fives and the obligatory emptying of the dugout cooler on the head of the man who won the game.

FILE - Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias looks on from the dugout during ceremonies before a baseball game against he Pittsburgh Pirates, on Aug 6, 2022, in Baltimore. Elias is happy to accept some of the blame if expectations are a little harder to manage this season. The Orioles went 83-79 last year, a 31-win improvement that nearly landed Baltimore in the playoffs. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

BALTIMORE (AP) — Orioles general manager Mike Elias is happy to accept some of the blame if expectations are a little harder to manage this season.

For the bonus round, Rutschman flipped around and hit right-handed. Rutschman hit six out to left field in the 30-second round and walked off to a standing ovation.

Ultimately, it was a losing effort as White Sox slugger Luis Robert Jr. hit 28 homers to advance in the event.

From Portland, Oregon, Rutschman grew up attending Mariners games and had his dad Randy Rutschman as his pitcher for the event.

In his two seasons in the majors, Rutschman has hit a total of 25 homers.