The Frederick Keys split a Minor League Baseball doubleheader with the Rome Emperors on July 25, 2026, at AdventHealth Stadium in Rome, Georgia. After dropping the opener 10-1, the Keys rebounded to win the second game 3-2 in eight innings, securing the series victory during their ongoing nine-game road trip.
Rome Emperors Dominate in Game One
In the first game, the Rome Emperors took an early lead with a run in the bottom of the first inning aided by a Frederick throwing error. Frederick starting pitcher JT Quinn struck out the side in the second inning and retired the side in order in the third, keeping it close at 1-0. RJ Austin tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fourth with an RBI single, but Rome responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 4-1 lead. The Emperors extended their advantage with five more runs in the fifth inning to push the lead to 9-1. A sacrifice fly in the sixth brought the score to 10-1, which stood as the final result despite a late Frederick rally attempt.
Frederick Keys Rally for Series-Clinching Win in Game Two
The second game featured a tightly contested battle. Rome scored first on an RBI double in the bottom of the third inning to go up 1-0. Frederick answered with a two-run fifth inning highlighted by a wild pitch that scored Yasmil Bucce and an RBI single from Colin Yeaman, giving the Keys a 2-1 lead. Reliever Trent Turzenski delivered a scoreless bottom of the sixth inning, but Rome tied the game at 2-2 on a Frederick throwing error in the bottom of the sixth. Braeden Sloan escaped jams in the sixth and seventh innings, maintaining the tie and sending the game into extra innings.
In the top of the eighth, Victor Figueroa delivered the winning RBI sacrifice fly to left field, putting Frederick ahead 3-2. Chandler Marsh retired the side in order in the bottom of the eighth to secure the victory and clinch the series. This victory marked the Keys’ sixth win in eight games during their road trip.
Looking Ahead
The final game of the series and their nine-game road trip is scheduled for Sunday afternoon with first pitch at 1 p.m. at AdventHealth Stadium.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Frederick Keys demonstrated resilience by bouncing back after a heavy game one loss to split the doubleheader and clinch the series. Strong pitching performances from Braeden Sloan and Chandler Marsh in game two, combined with Victor Figueroa’s clutch RBI sacrifice fly, were key to the victory. The team’s ability to prevail in an extra-innings contest highlights their competitive toughness on this road trip. With one game remaining, the Keys have positioned themselves well to continue their successful stretch away from home.
Source: Original report
