Trevor Rogers threw five shutout innings and Samuel Basallo hit a two-run homer as the Baltimore Orioles knocked off the host Cincinnati Reds 3-0 on Friday.
Rogers (6-7) allowed just two hits. Although he issued five walks while striking out four, the left-hander still pitched well enough to register his third win in as many starts.
Tyler Wells retired the Reds in order in the ninth to earn his first save since 2023. He was called upon after the Orioles placed closer Ryan Helsley on the 15-day injured list due to elbow discomfort he experienced while warming up on Wednesday.
Basallo, a 21-year-old rookie catcher, hit his 13th homer of the season with two outs in the third inning off Reds starter Brady Singer (3-8). However, Rogers already had all the support he needed before throwing his first pitch.
Gunnar Henderson, who walked to start the game, moved to second on Taylor Ward’s one-out single. Henderson stole third as Pete Alonso struck out. Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson threw wildly in an attempt to get an inning-ending double play, and Henderson scampered home with an unearned run as the ball went to the outfield.
Singer also lasted five innings, and he endured a bout of wildness, much like his counterpart. He only allowed three hits and struck out six, but the right-hander also walked five as two of the three runs he allowed were earned.
Three relief pitchers, Caleb Ferguson, Chase Petty and Julian Garcia, teamed to retire the last 11 Orioles, giving the Reds a chance for a rally.
Cincinnati had several opportunities to avoid its seventh shutout loss of the season. The Reds stranded 10 runners, the 15th time in 2026 they have left at least 10 on the basepaths. They left two runners on in the first, third, fifth and sixth innings and finished 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
All four of the Reds’ hits were singles.
After Rogers exited, Rico Garcia allowed a hit and a walk in two innings, and Yennier Cano followed with a one-hit inning.
The Orioles took the opener of a three-game set for their second win in a row. The Reds lost for the fifth time in six games.
–Field Level Media
