Trevor Rogers shines with seven shutout innings, leading Baltimore to fourth straight season opener win
Category: Sports
BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles kicked off their 2026 season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on March 26, marking the team’s fourth consecutive Opening Day win. The game, held at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, was a tense showdown that saw both teams score their first runs only late into the contest.
Neither team managed to break the scoreless tie until the seventh inning, when Colton Cowser’s sacrifice fly allowed Samuel Basallo to cross home plate, giving the Orioles a 1-0 lead. Blaze Alexander followed up with an RBI single, extending Baltimore’s advantage to 2-0.
The Twins fought back, scoring one run during the eighth inning, thanks to a triple from Byron Buxton who later scored on a fly ball hit by Luke Keaschall. But that was all Minnesota could muster, and they fell short, unable to tie the game.
Trevor Rogers, making his first career Opening Day start, was stellar on the mound for the Orioles. He pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits and four walks, and struck out five batters. Rogers, who had a breakout season last year with a 9-3 record and a 1.81 ERA, displayed his dominance by inducing three double plays and limiting the Twins to a mere 1-for-11 batting average with runners on base.
“I felt good out there,” said Rogers after the game. “I was just trying to keep the game close and let my teammates do their thing.”
On the opposing side, Twins’ pitcher Joe Ryan also put on a commendable performance, allowing only one hit and two walks over 5.1 innings, with seven strikeouts. After a career year last season, where he earned his first All-Star nod, Ryan was aiming to build on that success.
The matchup was particularly notable for the intense pitching duel and because both teams entered the season with new managers. Craig Albernaz made his managerial debut for the Orioles, stepping into the role after a successful stint with the Cleveland organization, whereas the Twins brought back Derek Shelton, who previously served with them before managing the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“It’s a great feeling to start the season with a win,” Albernaz said. “The guys executed the game plan well. We have a lot of work to do, but this is a solid start.”
Both teams had their share of challenges heading into the game, including injuries to key players. The Orioles were without several contributors, including Heston Kjerstad and Jackson Holliday, both starting the season on the injured list. The Twins also faced difficulties, with Pablo López sidelined for the year due to elbow surgery.
The matchup was a test of skill and a continuation of a competitive history between the two franchises. Since 2000, the Twins and Orioles have clashed nine times before May, with the Orioles holding a slight edge at 15 wins to the Twins’ 13. The last time these teams met on Opening Day, Baltimore emerged victorious, and they continued that trend this year.
The Orioles’ lineup featured new acquisitions, including Pete Alonso, who made his debut with the team after signing a lucrative five-year contract. Alonso, a five-time All-Star, had a quiet performance, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a walk.
“It’s always tough starting fresh, but I’m excited to be here and contribute,” Alonso remarked post-game.
With the win, the Orioles set a positive tone for the season, aiming to improve on last year’s 75-87 record. They hope to build momentum with this victory, especially with a home-heavy schedule early on.
Next up, the Twins and Orioles will continue their series on March 28, with the Twins sending Taj Bradley to the mound against Baltimore’s Kyle Bradish. Fans will be eager to see if the Twins can bounce back from this narrow defeat and if the Orioles can maintain their winning streak.
For those interested, the game was broadcast on MASN and Twins.TV, with streaming options available through Fubo. The atmosphere at Camden Yards was electric, filled with fans eager to witness the start of a new season.
With this victory, the Orioles celebrate a successful Opening Day and look forward to what the rest of the season holds. The team is aiming for a turnaround after last year's disappointing finish, and with performances like Rogers’ and contributions from new players, they appear poised for a promising campaign.
“It’s just one game, but it’s a good step forward,” Rogers concluded. “We’re ready for whatever comes next.”