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MSB Weekly Magazine – 2026-09-27

Maryland’s Weekly Sports Magazine • September 20 – September 27, 2026

Maryland Sports Blog Weekly

How Camden Yards Changed Baseball Stadium History

By Sports History Group When Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened on April 6, 1992, it did more than give the Baltimore Orioles a new home. It showed…

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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 Split Doubleheader With Yankees as Alonso, Beavers Power Game 1 Rout

Friday’s doubleheader showed two very different versions of the Orioles. Game 1 featured explosive power, productive at-bats throughout the lineup and enough pitching to cruise to a 10-2 victory. Game 2 featured many of the problems that have hurt Baltimore this season — strikeouts, defensive mistakes and an inability to capitalize when the starting pitcher kept the game close. The biggest positive was Beavers. A grand slam in Game 1 followed by another homer in Game 2 is exactly the type of performance Baltimore wants to see from one of its young players during the final days of the season. Alonso’s pursuit of the American League home run and RBI leads also gives Orioles fans…

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2

Orioles Head to Bronx for Final Series of 2026 Against Yankees

The Orioles will not be going to the playoffs, but there is still value in how they finish this season. Baltimore has won three straight games, and sweeping New York would allow the Orioles to walk away from a frustrating year with an 81-81 record. More importantly, these games provide another look at pieces Baltimore will be counting on in 2027. Rogers, Young and Baz are scheduled to handle the three starts, while younger players should continue receiving opportunities because of the injuries throughout the roster. The season series against the Yankees has been ugly. New York is 8-2 against Baltimore, swept the Orioles during their first visit to Yankee Stadium and has won the…

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3

Orioles Sweep Blue Jays in Doubleheader With Pair of 4-2 Victories

The Orioles waited until the final days of the season to play some of their best baseball, and Wednesday’s doubleheader sweep showed what this team can look like when the starting pitching and middle of the lineup deliver at the same time. Bassitt gave Baltimore exactly what it needed in Game 1, Alonso continued his outstanding power surge, and Gibson may have provided the most encouraging performance of the entire day. Throwing 6 2/3 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in only his eighth Major League start is significant regardless of where the Orioles finish in the standings. Gibson is giving Baltimore another young arm to evaluate as the organization begins looking toward 2027. Encarnacion-Strand’s nightcap…

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4

Pete Alonso Unanimously Voted 2026 Most Valuable Oriole After Historic First Season in Baltimore

The Orioles did not get the season they envisioned as a team, but Pete Alonso gave them almost exactly what they hoped for when they made a major commitment to him last offseason. Forty home runs and 108 RBI are impressive enough, but Alonso's availability has been equally important. He has answered the bell every day, produced in the middle of the order and given Baltimore an established power hitter capable of changing a game with one swing. His go-ahead 40th homer Monday and his dramatic 300th career homer against the Mets are two moments that will stand out from his first season in Baltimore. The unanimous Most Valuable Oriole vote is fitting. Alonso was…

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5

Alonso Reaches 40 Homers as Orioles Rally Past Blue Jays, 4-3

Pete Alonso was brought to Baltimore to change games with his power, and Monday night provided a perfect example of what that means. The Orioles generated only six hits, fell behind 3-0 in the first inning and never put together a huge rally. They did not need one because Alonso produced two enormous swings, with his second turning a 3-2 deficit into a 4-3 lead. Shane Baz deserves significant credit as well. His first inning could have turned the game into a blowout before Baltimore had an opportunity to respond. Instead, he settled down and did not allow another run, ultimately pitching into the seventh. Cano and Garcia completed the job by keeping Toronto scoreless…

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6

Orioles honor future of organization as Wehiwa Aloy, Joseph Dzierwa headline 2026 player development awards

Orioles fans have heard plenty about prospect rankings over the past several years, but eventually the most important question becomes simple: Are the players actually producing? Aloy and Dzierwa answered that question emphatically in 2026. Both performed at High-A, earned promotions and continued producing after reaching Double-A, which is exactly the progression Baltimore should want from two important members of its 2025 draft class. Aloy's 25-home run, 20-stolen base season is impressive on its own, but his performance after reaching Chesapeake may be the most encouraging part. He hit 10 home runs in only 39 Double-A games and actually posted a higher slugging percentage with Chesapeake than he did with Frederick. That does not mean…

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7

Orioles return home for crucial three-game AL East series against Blue Jays

The Orioles picked a terrible time for their offense to disappear. Baltimore has gone 19 innings without scoring and now has only six games left. After getting swept at home by Milwaukee, the Orioles cannot afford another flat offensive series. The pitching matchups give Baltimore an opportunity. Baz has pitched better than his 6-15 record suggests in several stretches, Bassitt faces a struggling Scherzer on Tuesday, and Toronto's Wednesday rotation plans have been disrupted by Cease's shoulder issue. But none of that matters if Baltimore does not score. Alonso needs help. The Orioles need runners on base ahead of their biggest power hitters, better at-bats with runners in scoring position and considerably more pressure on…

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8

Orioles Shut Out Again as Brewers Complete Sweep With 3-0 Win

Brandon Young did his job. That is what makes Sunday's loss particularly frustrating for the Orioles. Young gave Baltimore six innings, allowed only two runs and struck out a career-high nine against the team with the best record in baseball. That should give a major league lineup an opportunity to win. Instead, the Orioles were shut out for a second consecutive game. Baltimore has now gone 19 straight innings without scoring at the point in the season when every run matters. The Orioles managed four hits Sunday and failed to capitalize when they finally put runners in scoring position. Milwaukee did not overpower Baltimore offensively. The Brewers simply scored three runs and trusted their pitching…

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9

Ivan Miroshnichenko Survives Capitals’ Major Roster Cut, Appears Poised for Opening Night Spot

Miroshnichenko has done about as much as the Capitals could have asked of him this preseason, and Sunday's cuts are the strongest indication yet that Washington intends to give him a legitimate NHL opportunity. He produced when given preseason opportunities, earned looks with Strome and Leonard and on the top power-play unit, and has now survived a cut that sent many of Washington's best young prospects to Hershey. MSB would still stop just short of saying he has officially made the team until Washington submits its Opening Night roster. But looking at who was sent down and who remains, Miroshnichenko is clearly much closer to an NHL roster spot than he was when camp opened….

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10

Young Capitals Stun Flyers 5-1 to Close Preseason

Preseason results should always be viewed cautiously, but this was about as encouraging a preseason finale as the Capitals could have produced. Washington sent a lineup filled with prospects and players fighting for organizational roles against a much more NHL-heavy Flyers roster, absorbed significant pressure and then scored five consecutive goals. Lindgren was outstanding, but the bigger organizational story was how Washington's younger players responded once they settled into the game. Cristall continued to demonstrate his offensive creativity, while Schafer, Niederbach and Lakovic all found the net. Several of these players may spend significant time developing outside Washington this season, but performances like this give the Capitals considerably more confidence in the talent coming through…

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11

Capitals Close Preseason in Philadelphia With Youth and Roster Battles Taking Center Stage

Do not expect Saturday's Capitals-Flyers game to resemble Friday night's matchup against Boston. Washington used Friday as its primary NHL dress rehearsal. With the preseason finale coming less than 24 hours later, this is exactly the situation where Carbery can give younger players and organizational depth pieces a substantial workload without unnecessarily exposing his established veterans to another exhibition game. That makes this one especially interesting for Capitals fans who follow Hershey and Washington's prospect system. Cristall, Miroshnichenko, Ilya Protas and the other young players still around the NHL group have an opportunity to show how close they are to helping Washington. On defense, the Capitals can continue evaluating the players immediately behind their projected…

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12

Kyrou’s Overtime Winner Lifts Capitals Past Bruins, 3-2

Friday was about much more than the final score for the Capitals. Washington wanted an opportunity to put something close to its opening-night roster on the ice against legitimate NHL competition, and Boston provided exactly that. The Capitals built a two-goal advantage, generated offense against Swayman and, most importantly, received three power-play goals. Kyrou scoring the winner might be the most encouraging individual development. Washington brought him in to add another dynamic offensive threat, and a shot like the one he delivered 11 seconds into overtime demonstrates exactly what he can provide. Strome, Dubois and Wilson also had productive nights as the Capitals continue putting together their new-look forward group. There are still things to…

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13

Capitals Host Bruins in Lone Capital One Arena Preseason Tune-Up

The final score matters less than what Washington looks like while getting there. The Capitals have reached the stage of training camp where the organization needs to start transitioning from evaluation to preparation. With many regulars expected in the lineup, Friday's matchup against Boston should provide one of the best indications yet of how Washington's systems and new personnel are coming together. Tuch's integration into the offense, Hutson's continued development and Washington's ability to generate offense from its defense are all significant storylines. Ovechkin's absence removes the biggest name from the lineup, but it also creates additional opportunities for Washington to experiment before the results begin counting. Boston should provide a legitimate challenge despite playing…

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14

Brodzinski Scores Twice as Capitals Pull Away From Flyers for 5-2 Preseason Win

The final score matters less than the individual performances during preseason hockey, and Washington had several encouraging ones Monday night. Brodzinski has been impossible to ignore through two games. Three goals in two preseason appearances, including a shorthanded goal against Philadelphia, are exactly the kind of results a player competing for an NHL roster position wants to produce. Chesley's performance may have been just as important. Three assists from the young defenseman showed his ability to move the puck and become involved offensively, and he consistently appeared in Washington's most productive sequences. Leonard scoring and Strome producing two points were also welcome signs from players expected to carry significant offensive responsibilities once the regular season…

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15

Capitals Face Flyers in Hershey as Washington Continues Preseason Evaluation

The Capitals’ 3-2 shootout loss to Boston was a useful preseason opener because Washington got strong performances from several players it needed to evaluate. Miroshnichenko and Brodzinski scoring and Thompson turning aside 28 shots gave the Capitals several positives despite losing the game. Monday is another evaluation game, and the location makes it particularly interesting. Giant Center is familiar territory for numerous players throughout the Capitals organization, and the Hershey crowd should give the game more energy than a typical neutral-site preseason matchup. The biggest thing to watch is Washington's roster competition. With only four preseason games before the regular season, there are not many opportunities for bubble players to make an impression. Washington does…

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16

Capitals Fall to Bruins 3-2 in Shootout in Preseason Opener

Preseason results are secondary to individual performances and evaluation, and the Capitals had several positives despite the 3-2 loss. Thompson looked ready for the regular season. Miroshnichenko was noticeable offensively with a goal and an assist, while Brodzinski immediately contributed after joining the organization as a depth addition. Washington also controlled overtime and generated 32 shots despite using a lineup built partly around evaluation. The major area requiring improvement is obvious. Going 0-for-7 on the power play gave Washington numerous chances to put the game away, particularly after receiving opportunities late in regulation and overtime. Still, this was a productive preseason opener. Washington got Thompson plenty of work, saw several players competing for roles make…

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17

Morgan State Volleyball Rallies Past Norfolk State, 3-1, to Win MEAC Opener

Morgan State could not have asked for a much better way to reset its season. An eight-match losing streak and a 1-11 non-conference record could have carried into MEAC play, particularly after Norfolk State won the first set. Instead, Morgan State responded by taking three consecutive sets and ending a seven-match road losing streak against the Spartans in the process. The fourth set was particularly encouraging. Morgan State watched a 13-7 advantage turn into a 20-16 deficit and later trailed 23-22, but the Bears did not allow the match to reach a fifth set. Williams' three consecutive kills were exactly the type of late-match execution Morgan State will need throughout conference play. Morgan State's overall…

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18

Morgan State’s Cameron Edge Earns MEAC Offensive Player of the Week After Towson Victory

Edge earned this recognition by delivering scoring plays in a game that carried real importance for Morgan State. His response after the opening fumble and his third-down completion early in the fourth quarter stand out because both helped the Bears move forward at critical moments. For MSB, the encouraging sign is his ability to combine touchdown production with a low interception total through four games. Sustaining that efficiency would give Morgan State a strong foundation as the season moves toward conference play.

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19

University at Albany, State University of New York Visit Scheduled at Atholton High School on October 7

This visit from the University at Albany, State University of New York, presents a valuable opportunity for Atholton High School students to explore higher education options beyond Maryland. In-person visits like this enrich the college planning experience by allowing students to engage directly with university representatives. Amy Miranda’s involvement as a point of contact ensures that students can receive personalized information, supporting their college decision-making process. Source: Original report

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20

Reservoir High School to Host Adult Soccer Event on Turf Sept. 26, 2026

Hosting an adult soccer event on the turf field at Reservoir High School highlights the school system's effort to engage the broader community in physical activity. This use of athletic facilities beyond high school sports programs supports a positive connection between school resources and community wellness. Such events may foster greater community support for the Reservoir Gators and encourage lifelong participation in sports. Source: Original report

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21

University of South Florida to Visit Atholton High School on October 14, 2026

Visits like the University of South Florida’s scheduled appearance at Atholton High School are an essential element of college planning for Maryland students. Allowing students firsthand access to out-of-state university representatives through in-person sessions gives them a broader perspective on their postsecondary options. Such engagement supports informed decision-making and encourages exploration beyond local institutions, benefiting the overall development of the school's college preparatory environment. Source: Original report

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22

Atholton Raiders Field Hockey to Host Cancer Awareness Game with T-Shirt Sales on October 14, 2026

By hosting a Cancer Awareness Game, Atholton High School's field hockey program demonstrates the positive role high school sports can play beyond competition. Selling Cancer Awareness Game T-shirts helps unite the community and raise visibility for important health issues. Events like this strengthen school spirit and highlight the broader impact Maryland high school athletics programs can have on their communities. Source: Original report

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24

Nationals Fall Apart Late as Mets Pull Away for 7-1 Victory

For six innings, this looked like a strong Nationals pitching performance and an opportunity to finish the season with another win. Early's three scoreless innings were particularly encouraging, and Washington's pitching staff gave the offense plenty of time to build on its 1-0 advantage. Instead, the seventh inning changed everything. Ewing's three-run homer flipped the game, Mauricio immediately followed with another homer, and the Nationals never recovered. Washington's three-hit offensive performance left almost no margin for error, and once New York finally broke through, the game quickly got away. The Nationals have one game remaining in the 2026 season, and the finale provides one last opportunity for some of Washington's younger players to finish the…

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25

Nationals Hold Off Mets 7-6 as Dylan Crews, CJ Abrams Power Washington Offense

The Nationals are finishing a disappointing season in about the best way they can — by winning games and getting meaningful contributions from players who could be important parts of their future. Crews supplied the biggest swing Friday, Abrams helped ignite the offense and Gray's return to Nationals Park ended with the first save of his career. Washington still has considerable work ahead before it can realistically return to contention, but winning nine of 12 while young players produce is a much better way to enter the offseason than simply playing out the schedule. The Nationals showed some resilience against the Mets, repeatedly answering New York's rallies before surviving a tense ninth inning. Crews' home…

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By the Numbers

39

Full stories

7

Sports sections

25

MSB Takes

7

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 Mystics

Washington Nationals

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