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MSB Weekly Magazine – 2026-09-06

Maryland’s Weekly Sports Magazine • August 30 – September 6, 2026

Maryland Sports Blog Weekly

Orioles Shut Out Again as Red Sox Take 5-0 Win at Camden Yards

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles’ September slide continued Saturday night as the Boston Red Sox shut them out, 5-0, at Oriole Park…

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Brian’s Take: The Week That Was

Brian's Take recaps 25 MSB opinion takes published during the week. These are the key conclusions from MSB's reporting, analysis and game coverage.

1

Orioles Shut Out Again as Red Sox Take 5-0 Win at Camden Yards

This was a frustrating loss because the Orioles had a legitimate chance to win through the first five innings. Bassitt did his job and gave Baltimore a chance against one of the better teams in the American League, but the offense could not provide him with any support. Going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position is difficult to overcome in any game, and it becomes even more damaging when the opposing starter is pitching as well as Gray was Saturday night. Baltimore needs its middle-of-the-order hitters to start converting these opportunities. The larger concern is the timing. Baltimore worked its way back into the Wild Card conversation only to lose five straight games, including consecutive…

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2

Orioles Waste Strong Shane Baz Start in 1-0 Loss to Red Sox

This one is brutal because Shane Baz did almost everything the Orioles could have asked him to do. He made one mistake. One. Gasper hit it out, and that ended up being enough to beat Baltimore. A starting pitcher who gives you 6 1/3 innings of one-run baseball against a playoff-caliber opponent should not be taking a loss, especially with the season entering its final three weeks. Baz’s 5-15 record looks terrible on paper, but it does not reflect how well he has pitched for stretches this season. The lack of run support has been staggering, and Friday night might have been the clearest example yet. What concerns me more is where the Orioles are…

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3

Orioles Fall 6-5 to Red Sox as Rutschman’s Camden Yards Return Spoils Baltimore’s Night

This one hurts for several reasons. First, losing another one-run game during a postseason chase is damaging enough. Doing it after holding a 3-1 lead makes it worse. Then there is the Rutschman factor. Orioles fans gave Rutschman the reception he deserved. He was an important part of bringing winning baseball back to Camden Yards, and the fans recognized that. Once the game started, however, he became an opponent, and Baltimore simply made too many mistakes against a player who knows this organization extremely well. The Orioles' biggest issue right now is not a lack of talent. Robert provides another legitimate power threat. Alonso continues to produce runs at an elite level. Encarnacion-Strand showed again…

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4

Orioles Face Pivotal Four-Game Showdown With Red Sox as Wild-Card Race Heats Up

This might be the Orioles' biggest series of the 2026 season. Baltimore has been given opportunity after opportunity to stay alive in the Wild Card race. Even after a frustrating series loss in Colorado, the Orioles are still only 1.5 games away from a postseason position. Eventually, they have to take advantage. The encouraging part is that Boston is not arriving in Baltimore playing its best baseball. The Red Sox have lost five of seven, their pitching has been getting hit hard and several important offensive players are injured. The Orioles also have Young and Bradish pitching at home and an offense featuring Alonso, Robert and a collection of young hitters capable of putting together…

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5

Orioles Fall to Rockies 4-2 as Costly Seventh Inning Ends Four-Game Winning Streak

This one hurts because the Orioles had done the difficult part. They survived falling behind 2-0, Bradish kept the game manageable, and Holliday delivered a clutch home run to tie it in the seventh. At that point, Baltimore had turned another frustrating night into a completely winnable baseball game. Then one defensive mistake opened the door and Colorado immediately walked through it. Holliday should not be made the villain because of the error. He had three hits and supplied the home run that got Baltimore even. Young players are going to make mistakes, and his overall performance was one of the bright spots of the night. The larger concern is Baltimore scoring only two runs…

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6

Orioles Make Massive September Roster Shuffle: Luis Robert Jr. Activated, Luis De León Set for MLB Debut

The Orioles are not behaving like a team ready to quietly play out September. They are taking swings. Claiming Robert is exactly the type of gamble Baltimore should make. There is very little prospect cost, and the upside is substantial. A healthy Robert does things few players can do. His 38-home run, 20-steal season was only three years ago, and his August surge with New York suggests the ability has not disappeared. The Orioles also deserve credit for promoting De León rather than simply filling the extra September pitching spot with another familiar depth arm. This is the time to find out whether one of Baltimore's better pitching prospects can get Major League hitters out….

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7

Colton Cowser’s spectacular catch saves Orioles in 2-1 win over Rockies

This was not Baltimore’s prettiest win of the season. It might have been one of its most important. The Orioles came into Coors Field after sweeping the Athletics and easily could have experienced a letdown against a Colorado club buried near the bottom of the standings. Instead, Baltimore survived an unusual pitcher’s duel, a lengthy weather delay and a ninth-inning scare. Most importantly, the Orioles are finally back to .500. That matters psychologically as much as mathematically. Baltimore has spent months trying to dig out of the hole created early in the season. Now the Orioles enter September with a clean slate at 69-69 and a legitimate opportunity to make the postseason. Cowser’s catch could…

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8

Orioles Head to Colorado With Chance to Climb Above .500 as September Playoff Push Begins

This Should Be a Sweep There is no way around it: the Orioles need to win this series. Winning two of three would technically be a successful road series. Under normal circumstances, taking a series away from Camden Yards is something you take every time. These are not normal circumstances. Baltimore is trying to chase down a playoff spot with only September remaining, and the Orioles are facing the worst team in baseball. This is when good teams take advantage. The Orioles are favored by ESPN Analytics in all three games. Colorado's scheduled starting pitchers have ERAs of 5.38, 6.61 and 5.23. Baltimore arrives having swept its previous opponent. Henderson is heating up. Mayo is…

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9

Orioles Claim Former All-Star Luis Robert Jr. Off Waivers From Mets

This is exactly the kind of move the Orioles should make when they are a game out of a playoff spot entering September. There is risk, but Baltimore gave up zero prospects. The Orioles are essentially betting several million dollars that a 29-year-old former All-Star, Gold Glove winner and 38-home-run hitter can help them win baseball games for a month. That is a good gamble. Robert's health remains the biggest concern. His career has been filled with stretches where he looks like one of baseball's most talented center fielders followed by another trip to the injured list. But Baltimore does not need to solve his entire career. The Orioles need him for September. If the…

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10

Gunnar Henderson powers Orioles’ comeback as Baltimore sweeps Athletics with 8-5 win

This is exactly the type of win the Orioles needed heading into September. Baltimore could have easily folded after falling behind 5-1, especially on the road and at the end of a series. Instead, the Orioles kept attacking, got a huge swing from Coby Mayo and then watched Gunnar Henderson completely take over the game. Henderson was the difference. Going 4-for-4 with two home runs, a triple and five RBIs is impressive enough, but his defense made the performance even better. When your best players start carrying games like that late in the season, it changes the entire feel of a team. The sweep also matters because Baltimore is no longer just trying to finish…

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11

Ravens add Chuma Edoga, Lardarius Webb Jr. to practice squad in latest roster shuffle

These are the kinds of transactions that rarely generate major headlines but can become very important once the season starts. Edoga is the move I like most here. Offensive-line depth can disappear quickly in the NFL, and getting somebody with 62 games and 25 starts onto the practice squad is quality insurance. The fact that he can play guard and tackle makes him even more useful. Webb is also worth keeping around. The Ravens invested an entire training camp in his development, and he gave them something to think about with his performance against Washington. The forced fumble on special teams was especially important because that is often how young defensive backs earn their first…

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12

Ravens name five season-long captains, unveil 10-man leadership team for 2026

This is a smart early move by Jesse Minter. Changing coaches after nearly two decades inevitably changes the dynamics inside a locker room, and Minter does not need to be the only person responsible for establishing the new culture. Giving Jackson, Henry, Smith, Hamilton and Campbell official ownership of that responsibility creates a direct line between the coaching staff and some of the most respected players on the roster. I particularly like the expanded leadership team. Andrews and Stanley have been Ravens for years. Flowers and Hamilton represent the younger core. Moore represents special teams. Hendrickson and Campbell show that leadership is not determined strictly by how long somebody has been in Baltimore. And Jackson…

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13

Ravens Set Initial 2026 Practice Squad; Jake Moody Signing Puts Pressure on Tyler Loop

Watch the Kickers There are plenty of interesting names on this practice squad, but everybody in Baltimore is going to be watching one position. Kicker. The Jake Moody signing is not random. Baltimore watched Loop miss three field goals during the preseason after his rookie season ended with one of the most painful misses in recent Ravens history. Loop deserves credit for what he did during most of his rookie year. Making 30 of 34 field goals is good NFL kicking. But the Ravens have championship expectations. They cannot afford to lose close games because of inconsistent kicking. Moody gives Baltimore an immediate alternative without forcing the organization to remove Loop from the roster. Now…

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14

Capitals’ Informal Skates Filling Up as Training Camp Draws Closer

The biggest takeaway from Tuesday is not the drills or the line combinations. It is simply seeing this many important Capitals players already in Arlington. Washington's front office aggressively attacked the weaknesses of last year’s roster, and now the pieces are beginning to come together on the ice. Tuch and Jenner skating alongside Dubois, Strome and the rest of Washington’s established core matters because chemistry cannot be manufactured overnight. The prospect group is intriguing as well. Parascak, Sikora, Mateiko and Lakovic being around NHL veterans this early gives them valuable experience even if most are ultimately headed back to junior hockey or Hershey. There will be plenty of time to debate combinations once Carbery takes…

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15

Mount St. Mary’s Falls 3-0 to Loyola in Baltimore

The 3-0 score looks rough, but Mount St. Mary’s was more competitive statistically than the final margin indicates. The Mount was only outshot 16-15, put five attempts on target and earned more corner kicks than Loyola. The major difference was efficiency, because Loyola took advantage of its best opportunities while the Mount could not convert its own. That is the area Mount St. Mary’s needs to clean up going forward. The team is getting into attacking positions and creating enough shots to stay competitive, but one goal through four matches makes it difficult to turn those performances into wins. If the Mount can become more clinical in the final third, there is enough underlying offensive…

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16

Maryland Dominates Hampton 62-0 in Statement Season-Opening Win

There is no reason to overcomplicate Maryland’s season opener: this was exactly the kind of performance the Terrapins needed. When a Big Ten team faces an FCS opponent, winning is expected, but dominating every phase and avoiding costly mistakes is still meaningful. Maryland did that Saturday night and looked prepared, physical and focused from the moment Williams broke loose for his 94-yard touchdown. The rushing attack stands out the most. Maryland ran for 365 yards, produced six rushing touchdowns and received productive performances from multiple backs instead of relying on a single player. Williams supplied the biggest highlight, but Howard, Dalton and Davis all showed the kind of depth that could become important later in…

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17

Morgan State Overwhelmed by Arizona State in 70-7 Road Loss

This is obviously a game Morgan State will want to put behind it quickly, but it also needs to be viewed in the proper context. The Bears went across the country to play a Big 12 program in its home opener and ran into an Arizona State offense operating at an exceptionally high level. Morgan State did not turn the football over and showed some ability to run the ball, but the Bears could not overcome the enormous difference in explosive plays and overall offensive production. The most important thing now is making sure one difficult night does not carry over into the remainder of the season. Morgan State already showed what it can do…

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18

Woodson, Navy Ground Game Overwhelm Towson in 42-15 Victory

For Navy, this was about as convincing of an opening statement as the Midshipmen could have made. Losing several major offensive contributors from last season created legitimate questions entering 2026, but Woodson immediately showed that Navy's rushing attack remains extremely dangerous. A quarterback rushing for 200 yards in an offense already designed to stress defenses with multiple ball carriers creates enormous problems for opponents. Navy did not need to throw the football because Towson never forced the Midshipmen away from what they wanted to do. For Towson, the score looks ugly, but there were positives. Indorf showed he can create explosive plays against an FBS defense, and Towson had multiple moments during the second quarter…

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21

Reservoir High School to Host Best Buddies Event April 6

The Best Buddies event at Reservoir High School highlights the importance of promoting friendship and inclusion within the student community. Programs like this support a positive school culture by encouraging students to build meaningful connections and develop empathy. Such initiatives complement the broader mission of Maryland high schools to foster not only academic and athletic growth but also social development, enriching the overall educational experience. Source: Original report

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22

Howard County’s Reservoir High School to Close on September 7, 2026

The planned closure of Reservoir High School for September 7, 2026, highlights the need for the school community to stay informed through official channels in the Howard County Public School System. For the Reservoir Gators athletics teams and other extracurricular programs, such closures require clear communication to adjust practice and event schedules smoothly. Timely updates help ensure students, coaches, and families can remain prepared and engaged despite disruptions. Source: Original report

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24

Nationals Fall Short in 6-5 Loss to Dodgers Despite Strong Start From Cade Cavalli

This is one of those losses that will sting because Washington did almost everything needed to beat the Dodgers. Cavalli pitched like a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter, the Nationals collected 10 hits, and Washington carried a two-run lead into the seventh. The difference was one bullpen sequence where a walk, a single and a hanging slider erased six innings of excellent work. Cavalli continues to be one of the most encouraging developments for the Nationals. He responded to a difficult opening inning by dominating the Dodgers for the next five frames, and performances like this are exactly what Washington needs as it continues building its rotation. If Cavalli carries this level of consistency forward, he gives…

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25

Nationals’ Ninth-Inning Rally Falls Short in 5-3 Loss to Dodgers

I actually think there are two ways to look at this loss. The frustrating part is obvious. You cannot outhit a team 10-5 and spend almost the entire night trailing 5-0. Washington had enough baserunners to make this a completely different game, but Snell was excellent when he needed to be and the Nationals could not deliver the big hit. Los Angeles did. That is what good teams do. But I also liked what Washington showed in the ninth inning. It would have been very easy for a young Nationals team to go quietly after falling behind 5-0 on the road against one of the best teams in baseball. Instead, Ortiz, Vivas and Wood helped…

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By the Numbers

42

Full stories

6

Sports sections

25

MSB Takes

8

Days covered

This Week in Maryland Sports

Full Issue

Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Ravens

Washington Capitals and Hershey Bears

Maryland College Sports

Maryland High School Sports

Washington Nationals

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