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Rhys Hoskins surprises in first Home Run Derby: See what other MLB players had to say

The Phillies left fielder hit 17 home runs in the first round — three more than he has on the season.

Rhys Hoskins out-swung National League home-run leader Jesus Aguilar in the first round of the Home Run Derby at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
Rhys Hoskins out-swung National League home-run leader Jesus Aguilar in the first round of the Home Run Derby at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.Read moreAlex Brandon / AP

When it came to his first-ever Home Run Derby, Rhys Hoskins' approach was pretty simple.

"Hit more home runs than the other guys."

That worked out for him in the first round and nearly got him through the second.

Hoskins led off the event and hit 17 dingers — a number No. 1 seed Jesus Aguilar didn't come close to touching. He managed just 11.

>>READ MORE: Rhys Hoskins puts on a show before bowing out

According to Statcast, Hoskins' longest homer in the first round was 463 feet. The average exit velocity was more than 102 mph. Pretty good for a guy who has just 14 home runs on the season (Aguilar, by comparison, has 24 — the best number in the National League, but slightly behind Boston's J.D. Martinez and Cleveland's Jose Ramirez, who each have 29).

More than one fan noticed the Orioles' Manny Machado cheering for Hoskins. Someone on Twitter even called Machado Hoskins' future teammate.

Could Manny Machado really end up on the Phillies? Read Scott Lauber's story from Monday's media availability. Machado says he'd like to stay at home and go somewhere with a friendly face — and he goes way back with lots of executives in the Phillies' front office.

Only one other participant hit 17 in the first round: the Dodgers' Max Muncy, who stopped with 30 seconds left after passing the Cubs' Javier Baez at 16.

Hoskins followed up with 20 home runs in the semifinals, but Chicago Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber was able to keep pace and advanced to the final round on a last second shot.

The Phillies' left fielder finished Monday night with 37 home runs total. His longest shot traveled 466 feet and his hardest hit ball left the field at 108 mph.

Hoskins may have fell short in the derby, but his performance had the attention of his teammates, manager, and some other familiar faces.

As for all the balls that got launched into the stands Monday night, Hoskins sent his condolences.

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