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MSB Weekly Magazine – 2026-08-09

Chesapeake Baysox Fall 1-0 as Trace Bright Strikes Out Eight in Six Innings featured image

Maryland’s Weekly Sports Magazine • August 2 – August 9, 2026

Maryland Sports Blog Weekly

Chesapeake Baysox Fall 1-0 as Trace Bright Strikes Out Eight in Six Innings

Trace Bright struck out eight across six innings and took a perfect game into the sixth, but the Chesapeake Baysox lost 1-0 to the Harrisburg Senators.

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Brian’s Take: The Week That Was

Brian's Take recaps 27 MSB opinion takes published during the week. These are the key conclusions from MSB's reporting, analysis and game coverage.

1

Orioles’ Offense Goes Quiet as Rangers Defeat Baltimore 5-1

This was a frustrating loss because Kyle Bradish did virtually everything Baltimore could have asked him to do. Six innings and no earned runs should put the Orioles in position to win almost every time. Instead, two defensive mistakes helped Texas score its first two runs, and Baltimore's lineup could not produce anything beyond Jackson Holliday's first-inning home run. That combination is difficult to overcome against Jacob deGrom. The encouraging part is Bradish. He continues to demonstrate why he can be an important piece of Baltimore's rotation moving forward. Holliday also deserves credit for breaking out of his recent slump with a home run, double and walk. But the Orioles cannot continue wasting strong starting…

Read the complete article and MSB Take

2

Orioles Waste Shane Baz Gem, Fall to Rangers 2-1 in Series Opener

This one hurts. Shane Baz could not have done much more. He threw eight innings, struck out nine, allowed only three hits and gave up two runs. That performance should result in an Orioles victory. Baltimore’s pitching gave the offense more than enough opportunity. The offense did not finish the job. The Orioles scored in the second inning and then went silent. They had opportunities against Nathan Eovaldi, including a bases-loaded situation, but could never create the separation that Baz deserved. Then came the ninth. Christian Franklin picked a pretty incredible moment for his first Major League hit, drilling a double down the right-field line with Baltimore desperately searching for the tying run. Sending Taveras…

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3

Orioles Head to Texas for Crucial Three-Game Series Against Rangers

This feels like the biggest Orioles series of the season to date. Baltimore has spent much of 2026 trying to recover from its inconsistent start, and despite everything that has happened — injuries, trades and the stunning departure of Adley Rutschman — the Orioles are still right in the American League Wild Card race. Now they have the team holding the final spot directly in front of them. There are no standings to watch from afar this weekend. Baltimore can take the Wild Card position away from Texas itself. The pitching matchups are difficult, particularly Bradish against deGrom on Saturday, but none are unwinnable. Baz has pitched considerably better than his record, Bradish has been…

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4

Orioles Offense Goes Quiet as Angels Avoid Sweep With 4-1 Win

This was a frustrating game for the Orioles because they had more than enough opportunities to win it. Baltimore drew walks, loaded the bases and repeatedly put runners in scoring position, but the offense finished with only four hits. The third inning was especially costly. After Pozo made it 3-1, the Orioles had the bases loaded and an opportunity to completely change the game. Instead, they came away empty. Young was not as sharp as he has been recently, and his throwing error helped set up Neto’s three-run homer, but allowing three runs over 4 1/3 innings should not automatically result in a loss. Baltimore’s pitching staff held Los Angeles to four runs, which gave…

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5

No Evidence of Secret Sabotage, but Mike Elias Has Squandered the Orioles’ Championship Window

There is no factual basis to claim Mike Elias deliberately sabotaged the Baltimore Orioles. There is a strong factual basis to argue that he squandered their championship window. Elias deserves credit for dragging the Orioles out of baseball’s basement. He also deserves responsibility for what happened after they arrived. Baltimore endured a painful rebuild so the organization could eventually compete for a World Series. Fans were not promised another endless cycle of prospect accumulation. They were promised a sustainable winner. The Orioles reached the postseason twice and went 0-5. They then endured a losing season and traded Rutschman, Rodriguez, Kremer, Wells, Mullins, O’Hearn and other recognizable pieces before the core delivered one October victory. The…

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6

Orioles Activate Alex Hoppe, Option Anthony Nunez to Triple-A Norfolk

This move is more about evaluation than performance. Nunez has shown enough during his rookie season to remain part of the Orioles’ pitching conversation, but Baltimore needs to examine Hoppe after making him the major league piece of the Ward trade. Hoppe will receive a legitimate opportunity to prove that his 5.79 ERA with Seattle does not tell the entire story. His 34 strikeouts in 28 innings and strong Triple-A numbers suggest there is a useful reliever present if the Orioles can improve his command and consistency. Nunez should not be viewed as falling out of the organization’s plans. He has handled a significant workload during his first major league season and remains a valuable…

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7

Orioles 3, Angels 1: Povich Shines, Alonso Delivers as Baltimore Snaps Offensive Drought

The Orioles did not overwhelm anyone offensively, but this was exactly the kind of game they needed. Cade Povich looked poised from the first pitch and gave Baltimore six outstanding innings when the club desperately needed length from its rotation. Pete Alonso continues to provide the middle-of-the-order presence the Orioles were hoping for, delivering the game's biggest hit despite the offense managing only four hits. If Baltimore is going to stay competitive after the trade deadline shakeup, performances like Tuesday night's—from quality starting pitching to timely hitting and reliable bullpen work—will have to become the norm rather than the exception.

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8

Chadwick Tromp Elects Free Agency as Orioles Continue Reshaping Catching Depth

The Orioles' catching depth chart has undergone one of the most dramatic overhauls in baseball over the past week. Chadwick Tromp served an important purpose by providing reliable veteran depth, but the front office is now focused on roster flexibility and building around Carlos Narváez and Samuel Basallo. Narváez has an opportunity to establish himself as a long-term contributor, while Basallo's health remains one of the most important storylines for Baltimore's postseason hopes. Until the top prospect returns, every inning behind the plate becomes even more important for an Orioles club trying to navigate the stretch run with an entirely new look at catcher.

Read the complete article and MSB Take

9

Orioles Shuffle Active Roster Ahead of Angels Series: Cade Povich Returns, Christian Franklin Set for MLB Debut, Carlos Narváez Activated

These moves continue to show exactly where the Orioles are headed following a dramatic trade deadline. Rather than chasing a postseason spot with veterans, Baltimore is using the remainder of 2026 to evaluate players who could contribute in 2027 and beyond. Povich receives another chance to establish himself in the rotation, Franklin gets the opportunity every prospect dreams of with his first Major League call-up, and Narváez begins the difficult task of helping replace one of the most recognizable players in franchise history behind the plate. For Orioles fans, the final two months of the season will be less about the standings and more about discovering which of these new faces can become part of…

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10

Former Oriole Grayson Rodriguez Returns to Camden Yards as Orioles Open Three-Game Series Against Angels

This series is less about the standings than it is about the future of both organizations. For Baltimore, Grayson Rodriguez's return serves as a reminder of one of the organization's most difficult personnel decisions in recent years. At the same time, the Orioles are evaluating a new-look roster that still features one of baseball's most talented young position-player groups. The Angels have struggled throughout the season, but Rodriguez's return adds genuine intrigue to Tuesday night's opener. Baltimore has the advantage in the final two pitching matchups with Trevor Rogers and Brandon Young taking the mound, and if the Orioles remain patient against Rodriguez in Game 1, they should be in position to take the series.

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11

Orioles Reacquire Pitching Prospect Michael Forret in Trade That Sends Tyler Wells to Rays

This is a classic upside play by Mike Elias and the Orioles' front office. Losing Tyler Wells hurts. He was arguably Baltimore's most dependable reliever this season and had become a valuable late-inning weapon. However, reacquiring Michael Forret gives the Orioles a pitcher they already believed in enough to draft and develop. His strikeout ability and success as a starter provide considerably more long-term value if he reaches his ceiling. Whether fans agree with another deadline selloff or not, Baltimore is clearly betting that adding young, controllable pitching will help build its next winning core. If Forret develops into a reliable major league starter, this trade could eventually look much different than it does today.

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12

Orioles Continue Busy Deadline, Add Franklin, Hinds and Heuer in Three More Deals

These are the kinds of moves rebuilding organizations often make after larger deadline deals. Rather than simply collecting low-level prospects, Baltimore targeted players who could contribute sooner. Christian Franklin may have the best chance to impact the Orioles in the near future because of his complete game and strong Triple-A production. Rece Hinds represents the high-upside gamble. If the Orioles can unlock more consistent contact, his power could make him a legitimate major league contributor. Codi Heuer gives Baltimore another experienced reliever to evaluate over the final two months of the season. None of these trades will overshadow the earlier blockbuster moves, but together they continue the Orioles' effort to restock the organization with controllable…

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13

Orioles Trade Franchise Cornerstone Adley Rutschman to Red Sox in Blockbuster That Marks the End of an Era

There is no questioning the talent Baltimore received in return. Eyanson, Azocar, and Witherspoon all possess legitimate upside and could become impact players. But this trade represents something much larger. Adley Rutschman was the symbol of hope for Orioles fans. He represented the reward for years of losing and patience. Fans endured multiple 100-loss seasons believing players like Rutschman would ultimately lead Baltimore back to sustained championship contention. Instead, he has been traded before the Orioles won a single postseason game during the Mike Elias era. That reality is difficult to ignore. Mike Elias deserves significant credit for rebuilding one of baseball's weakest farm systems into one of its strongest and assembling a roster that…

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14

Orioles Bolster Pitching Depth, Trade Taylor Ward to Mariners for Three Arms

This trade clearly illustrates Baltimore's organizational priority: pitching. While losing Taylor Ward removes a reliable veteran bat and one of the club's best on-base threats, the Orioles receive immediate bullpen help in Alex Hoppe plus two intriguing pitching prospects with significant strikeout potential. Hoppe could contribute in Baltimore's bullpen right away, Moore has the profile of a future late-inning reliever, and Kreiling gives the organization another developmental starting pitching option. Pitching depth is one of the hardest commodities to acquire during a playoff race. By turning one veteran outfielder into three arms, the Orioles have added both present and future value while continuing to reinforce an area that could determine how far they can go…

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15

Phillies Blank Orioles 8-0 in Rain-Shortened Series Finale

Sometimes a rain delay completely changes a baseball game, and that appeared to be the case Sunday. Bradish looked sharp before the weather interrupted play, but Baltimore never recovered after the lengthy delay. The offense was quiet all afternoon, and the bullpen could not keep the Phillies from adding insurance runs. The Orioles now turn their attention to the next series needing to quickly flush this loss. The club has shown throughout the season it can bounce back, but consistency at the plate remains critical if Baltimore hopes to stay in the American League postseason race.

Read the complete article and MSB Take

16

Ravens Bring Baltimore Product Jamon Johnson Home, Add Linebacker Depth During Training Camp

This is exactly the type of training camp signing that makes sense for Baltimore. The Ravens did not need to make a blockbuster move at linebacker. They needed another capable player who could compete for snaps, provide insurance and potentially help on special teams. Johnson checks those boxes. His Maryland background makes the story even better. A player who developed at St. Frances Academy, won championships at Georgia and fought his way into the NFL as an undrafted free agent is now getting an opportunity with the Ravens. Johnson still has plenty of work ahead of him. Baltimore’s roster is competitive, and his ability to contribute on special teams will probably be just as important…

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17

Ravens Lock Up Zay Flowers With Massive Four-Year, $140 Million Extension

This was a move the Ravens simply could not afford to delay. Flowers has become everything Baltimore hoped he would be when they drafted him in the first round. He is explosive, dependable, durable, and has developed into Lamar Jackson's unquestioned top receiving weapon. As the wide receiver market continues to climb, locking Flowers in now may actually look like a bargain in two or three years. Eric DeCosta has once again identified a cornerstone player and ensured he remains in Baltimore for the long haul. For Ravens fans, this is one of the biggest wins of the offseason and another sign that the organization intends to keep its championship window wide open.

Read the complete article and MSB Take

18

Ravens Sign Veteran Tackle Kendall Lamm After Monday Tryout

The Ravens did exactly what they needed to do. Instead of gambling on upside, Baltimore added a proven veteran with nearly a decade of NFL experience who can step into a game without the coaching staff worrying about assignment issues. While Lamm is not expected to challenge for a starting role, quality swing tackles are difficult to find, and his experience makes him an excellent fit for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. It is another example of general manager Eric DeCosta continuing to strengthen the roster by addressing depth before it becomes a larger problem.

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19

UMES Baseball Adds Conrad Felks Jr., Bryan Liriano-Hernandez to Coaching Staff

Maryland Eastern Shore is not going to turn around overnight, but these are the type of coaching hires that give the Hawks a chance to begin moving in the right direction. Felks brings experience from winning environments at Coastal Carolina and Queens while also giving UMES someone who can handle the crucial responsibilities of recruiting and offensive development. Liriano-Hernandez steps into perhaps the most important developmental role on the staff. A 10.07 team ERA shows how much improvement UMES needs on the mound, and both Liriano-Hernandez and Thomas have backgrounds centered around pitching development. The most encouraging part is that Thomas appears to be assembling a staff with clearly defined responsibilities. Felks will focus on…

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20

Coppin State Pitcher Dillon Kirksey Earns Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year Nomination

Dillon Kirksey’s Humanitarian of the Year nomination is the type of story that deserves attention. The numbers on the mound matter. Kirksey became one of Coppin State’s most important starters during the 2026 season and continued working on his game throughout the summer in Greeneville. But this nomination is about something larger. Summer baseball players arrive in communities for only a short period of time. It would be easy to focus exclusively on baseball, travel and preparing for the next game. Kirksey instead made youth camps, education and interacting with fans part of his summer experience. That says something about the player Coppin State has representing its baseball program. Whether Kirksey ultimately wins the Appalachian…

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21

Morgan State Earns National Stage Against Alabama State in 2027 MEAC/SWAC Challenge

This is an excellent opportunity for Morgan State. Games like this matter beyond the final score. National exposure helps with recruiting, program visibility, alumni engagement and the overall perception of a football program. Morgan State has the history. What the Bears have been working toward is restoring the program to a point where that history is matched by consistent modern success. Playing Alabama State in Atlanta gives Morgan State another opportunity to show that progress to a national audience. There is still an entire 2026 season to play before anyone can realistically evaluate what the 2027 Bears will look like, but getting selected for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge is already a significant recognition for the program….

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22

UMBC, Loyola Renew Baltimore Soccer Rivalry With Annual Blake Elliott Cup

The creation of the Blake Elliott Cup is a meaningful way to renew a matchup that should have remained on the local soccer calendar. UMBC and Loyola are separated by fewer than 15 miles, and both programs have deep connections throughout Maryland’s soccer community. An annual meeting gives fans an attractive local matchup while allowing both schools to recognize a family with significant ties to each program. The most important part of the event, however, is its purpose. By attaching Elliott’s name to an annual game and supporting the BE3 Foundation, UMBC and Loyola have created something that can make a positive impact well beyond one night at Retriever Soccer Park. The first Blake Elliott…

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23

Garner, Benzing Shine on National Stage at USA Toyota National Championships

Towson swimming does not always receive the same attention as the university's high-profile team sports, but performances like these deserve recognition. Reaching A-finals at the USA Toyota National Championships is a significant accomplishment against some of the fastest swimmers in America. With Garner returning for another season and Benzing continuing to represent the Tigers at the national level, Towson's breaststroke tradition remains among the strongest in the region.

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24

Navy Gymnastics Names Daniel Gurevich Team Captain for 2027 Season

Daniel Gurevich is an outstanding choice to captain Navy Gymnastics. His résumé speaks for itself, but perhaps more importantly, he has consistently delivered in some of the Midshipmen's biggest meets while excelling academically. Navy expects its captains to lead by example, and Gurevich has done exactly that throughout his career. With him leading the locker room, the Midshipmen should once again be in position to compete among the nation's top gymnastics programs in 2027.

Read the complete article and MSB Take

25

Former Maryland Stars Help Team USA Capture World Lacrosse Gold

Few collegiate programs have influenced the international game the way Maryland has. Acacia Walker-Weinstein continues adding to an already legendary coaching résumé, now with another world championship to her name, while Kori Edmondson represents the next generation of Terps making an impact on the global stage. With multiple Maryland alumni earning All-World honors and Team USA continuing its dominance, the Terrapins remain one of the sport's premier pipelines for world-class talent.

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26

Nationals Knock Off Chase Burns, Beat Reds 8-2 for Second Straight Win

This might be one of Washington's more impressive wins of the second half. Beating Cincinnati is one thing. Scoring five earned runs against Chase Burns is another. Burns entered Saturday having won 12 consecutive decisions and had not lost since April 10. Washington did not back into this victory or wait until Burns left the game. The Nationals attacked him, worked traffic onto the bases and eventually forced him out during their decisive sixth-inning rally. Abimelec Ortiz deserves plenty of credit for his two-strike, opposite-field single in the third. Daylen Lile delivered another important hit. Andrés Chaparro came off the bench and essentially blew the game open. Andrew Alvarez also deserves recognition. He gave Washington…

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27

Lile, Ford Power Nationals Past Reds 5-3 to Open Series

This was exactly the type of game the Nationals needed after a difficult stretch. Washington did not generate a huge offensive night, but it capitalized when opportunities appeared. De La Cruz's first-inning error opened the door and Lile immediately punished Cincinnati. After the Reds responded with three solo home runs, Lile helped create another opportunity before Ford delivered the decisive swing. The encouraging part continues to be Cavalli. Giving up three home runs normally creates problems, but Cavalli limited the damage by keeping runners off base and recording eight strikeouts. Six consecutive quality starts are an important development for a Nationals club trying to determine which pitchers can become long-term pieces of its rotation. Washington…

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By the Numbers

41

Full stories

6

Sports sections

27

MSB Takes

7

Days covered

Quote of the Week

ORIOLES ACQUIRE FOUR PLAYERS AND A PLAYER TO BE NAMED LATER FROM THE BOSTON RED SOX The Orioles today announced they have acquired catcher Carlos Narváez, minor league right-handed pitchers Anthony Eyanson and Kyson Witherspoon, minor league outfielder Enddy Azocar, and a player to be…

Orioles Trade Franchise Cornerstone Adley Rutschman to Red Sox in Blockbuster That Marks the End of an Era

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