Rutschman puts on show before elimination in first round of Home Run Derby

Adley Rutschman homered from both sides of the plate in the same All-Star Home Run Derby.

He had it and flaunted it.

With father Randy throwing him batting practice, Rutschman launched 21 left-handed during the three-minute regulation and six more right-handed in the 30-second bonus portion.

The Orioles’ catcher was seeded eighth but may have performed a first with that switch.

Unfortunately for Rutschman and Orioles fans, No. 1 seed Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox ousted him by hitting 27 in regulation and one more in the bonus round to advance at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

Rutschman slugged nine, including a 445-foot shot, before calling for time. Teammate Austin Hays brought him a towel.

The total jumped to 21, Rutschman hugged his father, and he entertained the crowd by moving to the right side and continuing to mash.

Rutschman said on the ESPN telecast that father and son thought about the switch “on the fly.” He called his final count “respectable.”

To say the least.

Robert, whose 26 homers at the break are tied for third in the majors, showed why he’s the top seed.

Rutschman can watch the rest of the event and get ready for Tuesday night’s All-Star Game. He’s one of the reserves, and manager Dusty Baker told the assembled media that all three catchers will play.

Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. (1991) and Miguel Tejada (2004) are the only Orioles to win the Home Run Derby. Ripken is in Seattle, where he was named the All-Star Game's Most Valuable Player in 2001 during his final season in baseball.

No. 5 seed Randy Arozarena treated the first round tonight like a game against the Orioles, finishing with 24 homers to defeat No. 4 seed Adolis García, who had 17.