The Baltimore Orioles welcome the Chicago Cubs to Camden Yards on Thursday, July 9, 2026, for a 1:35 PM ET afternoon matchup that carries genuine mid-season weight. Trevor Rogers takes the ball for Baltimore against Chicago's David Peterson in a game you can catch on MASN, 104.3 The Score, or WBAL 1090 AM. With both clubs looking to build momentum heading into the back half of the summer, this is exactly the kind of home-field opportunity the Orioles need to capitalize on in front of the Camden Yards faithful.

Pitching Matchup: Trevor Rogers vs. David Peterson

Trevor Rogers gets the start for Baltimore. The left-hander has shown the kind of stuff that can keep a lineup honest, and pitching at Camden Yards — where he knows the mound, the sight lines, and the crowd — works in his favor. The Cubs counter with David Peterson, a southpaw who has the experience and repertoire to give Baltimore's lineup fits if he locates his fastball and works his off-speed pitches effectively. Neither starter enters with stats available for preview, so this one will be defined by what they show between the lines on Thursday afternoon.

Baltimore Orioles Starting Lineup

• 1. Adley Rutschman — DH
• 2. Taylor Ward — LF
• 3. Gunnar Henderson — SS
• 4. Pete Alonso — 1B
• 5. Tyler O'Neill — RF
• 6. Coby Mayo — 3B
• 7. Samuel Basallo — C
• 8. Blaze Alexander — 2B
• 9. Leody Taveras — CF

Keys to Watch for the Orioles

Gunnar Henderson Sets the Tone

Batting third, Gunnar Henderson remains the engine of this Baltimore offense. When Henderson is locked in, the middle of the order hums. His at-bat quality against Peterson's left-handed arsenal will be one of the defining threads of the afternoon. Watch how Peterson attacks him — and whether Henderson makes him pay for anything left over the plate.

Pete Alonso in the Cleanup Spot

Pete Alonso hits fourth and brings legitimate run-producing power to the heart of this lineup. The Cubs will be careful pitching around Henderson if Alonso is the consequence. His ability to drive in runners early could force Chicago's hand and open up the back half of Baltimore's order.

Coby Mayo and Samuel Basallo Provide Depth

The bottom third of this lineup — Coby Mayo at third, Samuel Basallo behind the dish, and Leody Taveras in center — gives Baltimore length that can wear down a starting pitcher. Mayo and Basallo in particular are names to watch as they continue developing at the big-league level. A productive inning from that group changes games.

Rogers Must Command the Zone Early

For Baltimore to win this ballgame, Trevor Rogers needs to get ahead in counts and limit the Cubs' ability to work deep into at-bats. A clean first two innings sets the tone and keeps the bullpen fresh for the stretch run of the game.

Prediction

This is a Baltimore lineup built to do damage, especially at home at Camden Yards where the summer afternoon conditions can play into a power-oriented offense. If Rogers gives the O's five or six solid innings and Henderson and Alonso deliver in the middle of the order, the Orioles take this one. Call it Baltimore 5, Chicago 3.