BALTIMORE (AP) – Trevor Rogers delivered a commanding performance, pitching seven shutout innings as the Baltimore Orioles secured a 2-1 victory against the Minnesota Twins on opening day Thursday.
Rogers, who concluded the previous season with a 9-3 record and a 1.81 ERA, continued his strong form in front of a sellout crowd at Camden Yards, marking the earliest opener in franchise history.
Rogers’ Dominant Performance
Rogers (1-0) effectively managed the game, allowing only three hits and four walks while inducing three double plays. He limited the Twins to a mere 1-for-11 batting average with runners in scoring position, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Twins Pitching Efforts
On the other side, Twins right-hander Joe Ryan also demonstrated strong pitching. In his second career opening day start, Ryan allowed just one hit and two walks over 5 1/3 innings, keeping the game scoreless until the seventh inning.
Key Moments in the Game
The Orioles broke the scoreless tie in the seventh inning against the Minnesota bullpen. Kody Funderburk (0-1) allowed a leadoff single to Samuel Basallo, followed by a single from Tyler O’Neill. Colton Cowser then contributed a sacrifice fly, and Blaze Alexander delivered a two-out RBI single, putting Baltimore ahead 2-0.
In the eighth inning, the Twins narrowed the gap to 2-1 when Byron Buxton hit a triple and scored on a fly ball by Luke Keaschall.
Closing Out the Game
Closer Ryan Helsley struck out the side in the ninth inning, finishing the game with a strikeout of pinch hitter Trevor Larnach while a runner was on second base.
Managerial Debut and Player Highlights
Craig Albernaz achieved a win in his managerial debut, having been hired from Cleveland in October to lead a team that finished 75-87 last year. Meanwhile, Pete Alonso, making his Orioles debut, went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and a walk. Alonso had previously recorded 126 RBIs with the New York Mets before signing a five-year contract with Baltimore.
Looking Ahead
After a day off on Friday, the Twins and Orioles will continue their series on Saturday, with right-hander Taj Bradley starting for Minnesota against Baltimore’s Kyle Bradish.