On a scorching Monday night at Camden Yards, the Baltimore Orioles showcased a commanding performance against the Texas Rangers, securing a 6-0 victory that kicked off their series with authority. The heat was intense, with temperatures reaching a sweltering 100 degrees, but the Orioles' fire on the field was even hotter, led by the breakout efforts of young star Jackson Holliday and a career-defining outing from left-hander Trevor Rogers.
Jackson Holliday, the 21-year-old second baseman and former No. 1 overall draft pick, continued to bolster his case as a rising star in Major League Baseball. Holliday delivered a powerhouse performance, driving in four of the Orioles' six runs and hitting a three-run home run that expanded Baltimore’s lead to 4-0 in the fifth inning. His homer to left-center field, which scored teammates Coby Mayo and Cedric Mullins, was a pivotal moment that effectively broke the game open.
But Holliday’s impact began earlier in the game. In the third inning, he laced an RBI double off Texas left-hander Patrick Corbin, giving the Orioles the first run and setting the tone for the night. He also added a single in the eighth inning, marking his seventh three-hit game of the season and tying his career high with four RBIs in a single contest. This performance marked Holliday’s third game with four RBIs, joining memorable outings such as his Eutaw Street grand slam against the Blue Jays on July 31, 2024, and another slam against the Guardians on April 16, 2025.
Through 71 games this season, Holliday is hitting .265 with 12 doubles, two triples, nine home runs, and 32 RBIs, boasting a .735 OPS. Notably, he has been especially effective against left-handed pitchers in June, batting .367 with two homers in 30 at-bats. This surge has coincided with his new role as the Orioles’ leadoff hitter, a move solidified by interim manager Tony Mansolino, who took over on May 17. Mansolino has expressed unwavering confidence in Holliday, stating, "This is your leadoff hitter at least for the next five years." He added, "I don't think this kid goes anywhere else in the lineup. I think he's probably staying there, barring something unforeseen." Holliday himself embraced the trust placed in him, saying, "It’s really cool. Really cool to hear that. It means a lot to have his trust and to be able to lead off for such a great team and, hopefully, set the tone for a while.”
Holliday’s breakout season and leadership at the top of the lineup have not gone unnoticed by fans either. In the latest All-Star Game voting update on June 23, Holliday ranked second among American League second basemen with 806,133 votes, trailing only Detroit’s Gleyber Torres and narrowly ahead of Houston’s Jose Altuve. Fans can vote up to five times a day during the first phase of voting, which ends on June 26 at noon ET, keeping the momentum alive for Holliday’s potential first All-Star selection.
While Holliday’s bat was lighting up the scoreboard, the Orioles’ pitching was equally impressive. Trevor Rogers, making his home debut for Baltimore, delivered a masterful performance on the mound. The 27-year-old southpaw threw a career-high eight innings, allowing just three hits—all singles—without issuing a single walk. He struck out four batters and threw 72 strikes out of 101 pitches, showcasing remarkable control and stamina in the sweltering heat. This outing marked Rogers’ second scoreless start in three appearances this season and made him the first Orioles pitcher to complete eight innings in a regular-season game since Kyle Bradish did so on September 26, 2023.
Rogers expressed gratitude for the offensive support he received, particularly from Holliday, saying, "He’s going to be good for a long time, just to see the work he puts in every day." His dominant outing helped stifle the Rangers’ offense completely, preserving a shutout and giving the Orioles a comfortable cushion on the scoreboard.
The Orioles are also hopeful for another All-Star representative in Ryan O’Hearn, who currently holds a solid lead at the American League designated hitter position in voting. With Holliday and O’Hearn both in strong contention, Baltimore’s presence at the Midsummer Classic could be significant this year.
For the Orioles, Monday’s 6-0 victory was more than just a win; it was a statement. With a young core led by Holliday’s emerging star power and Rogers’ pitching prowess, Baltimore looks poised to build momentum as the season progresses. Interim manager Tony Mansolino’s vision for Holliday extends far beyond this season, envisioning the young infielder as one of baseball’s elite players by 2027. "This is just the tip of the iceberg," Mansolino said. "When I look at Jackson, I'm not concerned about the All-Star thing right now. It's like, 'How do we get this kid to be one of the top five players in the game by 2027?' That's how I look at Jackson."
As the Orioles prepare for the next games in their series against the Rangers, fans can savor the excitement of a team with promising talent and a bright future. With Holliday leading off and Rogers anchoring the rotation, Baltimore’s summer looks full of potential and plenty of reasons to watch closely.
