Orioles Lose Season Opener to Nationals
- Baltimore Orioles suffer a defeat in the season opener against Washington Nationals.
- Pitcher Trevor Rogers takes his second loss since being acquired in a trade.
- The Nationals dominate the game with a final score of 9-3.
BALTIMORE – The Baltimore Orioles faced a disappointing 9-3 loss against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, marking pitcher Trevor Rogers' second defeat in three starts since his recent trade acquisition. Rogers struggled on the mound, allowing five runs over five innings. Despite the setback, Anthony Santander showcased his power by hitting his 36th home run of the season, while teammates Ryan Mountcastle and Colton Cowser contributed with RBIs. In a standout performance, Nationals rookie Chaparro made history by becoming the fourth player in Major League Baseball to hit three doubles in his debut, a feat last accomplished by Nick Evans in 2008. Chaparro's first career hit came in the fourth inning, setting the stage for a three-run rally. His second double in the sixth inning further propelled the Nationals, leading to additional runs and solidifying their lead. The Orioles, who entered the game tied for the best record in the majors, are now just half a game ahead of the New York Yankees in the AL East. The matchup featured two highly touted rookies, including Baltimore's Jackson Holliday, who was involved in a pickoff play that allowed a run to score. Santander's home run also set a new single-season record for home runs by a switch-hitter for the Orioles, surpassing Ken Singleton's 35 in 1979. Looking ahead, the Orioles will send Dean Kremer (4-9) to the mound on Wednesday night against the Nationals' DJ Herz (2-4), as Kremer seeks to break a four-game losing streak.