Trevor Rogers throws 7 shutout innings to carry Orioles past Twins 2-1

By David Ginsburg
The Associated Press

BALTIMORE (AP) — Arthur Green, a 109-year-old veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, threw out the first ceremonial pitch during the Baltimore Orioles’ season opener March 26.

Arthur Green throws out the first pitch at the Orioles’ season opener against the Minnesota Twins on March 26. The 109-year-old veteran was named the 2026 Mo Gaba Fan of the Year, an honor that allows one fan to act as the Orioles’ “10th man” at the first home game every year. Credit: Instagram / Orioles

The Baltimore resident and longtime baseball aficionado was surprised with the news of this honor and his designation as the 2026 Mo Gaba Fan of the Year, during his birthday celebration in December.

Following Green’s ceremonial pitch, the Orioles faced off against the Minnesota Twins in its first game of the season at Camden Yards.

Trevor Rogers pitched seven shutout innings and Colton Cowser and Blaze Alexander had seventh-inning RBIs to give the Orioles a 2-1 win over theTwins on opening day..

Following a stellar 2025 season in which he went 9-3 with a 1.81 ERA, Rogers picked up where he left off in front of a sellout crowd at Camden Yards for the earliest opener in franchise history. The lefty allowed three hits, walked four and was especially effective when stuck in a jam.

The Orioles celebrate Arthur Green on the occasion of his 109th birthday, an event that they said included bowling, a cake and a visit from the Oriole Bird. Credit: Instagram / Orioles

Rogers (1-0) induced three double plays and limited Minnesota to 1-for-11 batting with runners in scoring position.

Twins righty Joe Ryan was every bit as good. In his second career opening day start, Ryan allowed one hit and two walks over 5 1/3 innings.

Baltimore broke up the scoreless duel in the seventh against the Minnesota bullpen. Kody Funderburk (0-1) gave up a leadoff single to Samuel Basallo and Tyler O’Neill followed with a single off Justin Topa before Cowser delivered a sacrifice fly and Alexander ripped a two-out RBI single up the middle.

The Twins closed to 2-1 in the eighth when Byron Buxton tripled and scored on a fly ball by Luke Keaschall.

Closer Ryan Helsley struck out the side in the ninth, getting pinch hitter Trevor Larnach with a runner on second to end it.

Craig Albernaz got the win in his managerial debut. He was hired from Cleveland in October to help turn around a team that went 75-87 last year.

Orioles fan Arthur Green, left, meets O’s legend Al Bumbry during a celebration of his 109th birthday. Credit: Instagram / Orioles

Pete Alonso went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and a walk in his Orioles debut. The five-time All-Star had 126 RBIs with the New York Mets last year before signing a five-year contract with Baltimore as a free agent.

Up next

After taking off on March 27, the Twins and Orioles resume their series on March 28 with right-hander Taj Bradley starting for Minnesota against Baltimore righty Kyle Bradish.