BOWIE, Md. — The Chesapeake Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, fell 3-2 to the Altoona Curve, the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, on Wednesday afternoon at Prince George’s Stadium. The game showcased a rehabilitation start by Orioles pitcher Trevor Rogers and a strong Double-A debut by right-hander Braxton Bragg.
Rogers, recovering from a right knee subluxation suffered during the offseason, started for the Baysox and allowed a two-run homer to Altoona infielder Kervin Pichardo two batters into the game. The 27-year-old left-hander settled in, pitching three innings and giving up two runs on four hits with three walks and three strikeouts in a no-decision. Altoona’s starting pitcher, Wilber Dotel, struck out eight over five scoreless innings, allowing four hits and three walks. Dotel has not allowed a run in 10 innings against the Baysox this season.
Braxton Bragg, promoted from High-A Aberdeen on Tuesday, made his Double-A debut, striking out eight over 4.1 scoreless innings. He allowed three hits and two walks, continuing his season-long streak of not allowing an earned run through 20.2 innings pitched in 2025. Despite Bragg’s performance, the Baysox could not secure the win.
In the seventh inning, Chesapeake tied the game when catcher Silas Ardoin hit a two-run homer off Altoona reliever Jaden Woods, who earned the win (3-1). Ardoin’s homer, his team-leading ninth RBI of the season, evened the score at 2-2. Altoona responded in the eighth against Baysox reliever Peter Van Loon (1-1). After two walks, Aaron McKeithan singled with two outs, scoring Mike Jarvis to give the Curve a 3-2 lead.
Altoona’s Justin Meis closed the game with a two-inning save, striking out two to seal the victory. The Baysox struggled offensively, going 0-for-26 with runners in scoring position over their last five games, contributing to their fourth loss in five contests.
The game marked Rogers’ first rehab start as he works toward returning to the Orioles’ major league roster. The Baysox, now 9-8, continue their six-game homestand against the 9-8 Curve on Thursday at 6:35 p.m. Right-hander Trace Bright is scheduled to start for Chesapeake against Altoona’s left-hander Nick Dombkowski.
The Baysox, part of the Eastern League, have been a key development stop for Orioles prospects since 1993. Prince George’s Stadium, their home since 1994, has hosted numerous future major leaguers. Despite the loss, Chesapeake remains competitive in the Eastern League’s Southwest Division, with contributions from players like Ardoin and Bragg.
