On a scorching Monday night at Camden Yards, the Baltimore Orioles showcased a commanding performance to blank the Texas Rangers 6-0, marking a pivotal moment in their season. The game temperature soared to 100 degrees, but that didn’t stop the Orioles from delivering a dominant display, highlighted by Trevor Rogers’ masterful pitching and Jackson Holliday’s offensive firepower.
Trevor Rogers, making his home debut for Baltimore, turned in a career-high eight innings, allowing just three hits and striking out four without issuing a single walk. This outing was his longest start for the Orioles since September 26, 2023, and it provided much-needed relief for a depleted bullpen amid a grueling 16-game stretch without a day off. Rogers threw 101 pitches, with an impressive 72 strikes, and consistently hit velocity up to 96.3 mph, showcasing a refined delivery that has elevated his game this season.
“I just put too much pressure on myself and self-doubt crept in and a bunch of other things,” Rogers reflected after the game. “But I look back now and [I’m] thankful for that. Really, I had to take a hard look in the mirror and figure some things out and just get better. I think the Orioles did an unbelievable job as far as the plan in place. Obviously, I didn’t understand the plan at the time when getting sent down, but I think we had a long-term plan here, and I think it’s finally coming to fruition.”
Rogers’ performance was a testament to his resilience and adjustments. After being traded from the Miami Marlins last July, where he struggled with a 7.11 ERA leading to a demotion to Triple-A Norfolk, Rogers has turned things around spectacularly. This season, he boasts a 1.62 ERA across three starts, allowing just three runs in 16 2/3 innings, signaling that he might have earned a permanent spot in the Orioles’ rotation.
On the mound, Rogers was nearly untouchable. He retired 14 consecutive batters at one point and allowed only one runner to reach scoring position. His changeup proved particularly effective against the right-handed heavy Rangers lineup, complementing a fastball that regularly touched the mid-90s. Interim manager Tony Mansolino praised Rogers’ stamina and velocity, especially given the extreme heat. “To carry that velocity through the eighth inning on a 130-degree night, super impressive,” Mansolino said.
Offensively, the Orioles were led by second baseman Jackson Holliday, who continued to make a strong case for an All-Star nod in his first full major league season. Holliday went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer and a run-scoring double, driving in all four of the Orioles’ runs with two outs. His ninth home run of the season, a towering 402-foot blast to left-center, extended Baltimore’s lead to 4-0 in the fifth inning.
Earlier in the game, backup catcher Chadwick Tromp, called up from Triple-A Norfolk to replace the injured Maverick Handley, got the Orioles on the board with a two-out double in the third inning. Holliday’s subsequent double drove Tromp home, giving Baltimore a 1-0 lead. Tromp’s call-up came amid catching injuries, including starting catcher Adley Rutschman being sidelined with a left oblique strain.
Holliday’s consistent hitting has not gone unnoticed. MLB’s second All-Star voting update placed him second among American League second basemen, trailing only Detroit’s Gleyber Torres. With the next voting phase set to begin June 30 and the finalists announced on June 26, Holliday’s recent performances could prove critical. “It’s quite a blessing to even be in this situation,” Holliday said. “To even be on All-Star voting is pretty, pretty awesome. I’m very blessed and lucky to be in this situation. Whatever happens, happens but it’s an honor either way.”
The Orioles’ offense was further bolstered by contributions from Coby Mayo, Cedric Mullins, Ramon Laureano, Gary Sánchez, and Ramón Urías, who each had key hits throughout the game. Mayo’s groundout in the sixth inning extended the lead to 5-0, and Urías’ sacrifice fly in the seventh pushed the score to 6-0. Baltimore had eight players with at least one hit, showcasing a well-rounded attack against Rangers starter Patrick Corbin.
Corbin (4-7) struggled on the mound, giving up five runs on nine hits across five-plus innings while striking out six without issuing a walk. The Rangers managed to strand three runners and had just one plate appearance with a runner in scoring position, reflecting their inability to challenge Rogers and the Orioles’ defense effectively.
Defensively, the Orioles were sharp, with diving plays from Gunnar Henderson and solid fielding helping Rogers escape jams, particularly in the sixth inning when he allowed back-to-back singles but avoided damage. Andrew Kittredge closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning, needing only five pitches to seal the shutout.
This victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Baltimore, who entered the game 10 games below .500 at 34-44. The win also provided a morale boost as they opened the three-game series against the Rangers, who have lost only three of their last nine road games. The Orioles will look to continue their momentum with right-hander Charlie Morton scheduled to start Tuesday’s game, as the Rangers have yet to announce their starter.
Rogers’ emergence as a reliable starter and Holliday’s continued offensive prowess are bright spots for the Orioles as they navigate a challenging stretch of the season. With the team’s bullpen getting much-needed rest and the lineup firing on all cylinders, Baltimore fans have reason to be optimistic heading into the next games at Camden Yards.
As Rogers left the mound to a standing ovation, his teammates honored him with the home run pirate hat — a rare tribute typically reserved for hitters — symbolizing the impact of his performance. The left-hander’s journey from self-doubt to confidence embodies the resilience the Orioles hope will carry them through the remainder of the season.
