In a highly anticipated matchup, Connor Norby of the Colorado Rockies faced off against Trevor Rogers of the Baltimore Orioles on September 2, 2026. This encounter marked a significant moment for Norby, as it was his first opportunity to compete against the pitcher who was part of the trade that sent him from the Orioles to the Miami Marlins back in July 2024.
Norby, a second-round draft pick by the Orioles in 2021, was traded to the Marlins for Rogers, a talented left-handed pitcher. After the trade, Norby spent some time with the Marlins but found himself sidelined by injury when he was set to face Rogers for the first time last year. This led to heightened anticipation for their meeting in Denver as both players took the field during the final game of a three-game series between the Rockies and the Orioles.
Although Norby was unable to secure a hit in three at-bats against Rogers, the Rockies emerged victorious in a thrilling 6-5 comeback win. The game was highlighted by a dramatic 11th inning, where Brett Sullivan delivered a two-run walk-off single, capping off a three-run rally for Colorado. Rogers, despite the loss, showcased his skills, striking out a career-high 11 batters and allowing just six hits over 6.2 innings, leaving the game with a 3-2 lead.
Norby played a pivotal role defensively, making an unassisted out at third base during the 11th inning when the Orioles had taken a 5-3 lead. In the bottom half of the inning, he was the placed runner at second base and scored on T.J. Rumfield's single, contributing to the Rockies' comeback.
Reflecting on the long-awaited matchup, Norby noted the significance of facing Rogers after their previous near miss. "I would have faced him but I broke my hand the night before, so I missed that one," he recalled. He acknowledged Rogers's talent, stating, "He is really good, and you can’t make it more than it is. It’s pitcher vs. hitter. My job is to put up a good at-bat, and that (Rogers) is a good arm."
Rogers, for his part, made an impression on the Rockies, striking out six consecutive batters at one point, including Colorado's top three hitters in the lineup during the sixth inning. His performance was marked by efficiency, as he threw 71 of his 94 pitches for strikes.
Norby expressed fond memories of his brief time with the Orioles, having played only nine games for them before the trade. "It’s always good to see all those guys I came up with. There were a lot of them, and we still stay in touch," he said, acknowledging the camaraderie he shares with his former teammates.
As he continues to establish himself with the Rockies, Norby has been performing well, hitting .223 with a .326 on-base percentage in his first 21 games with the team. He has scored 10 runs, hit two home runs, and driven in 10 RBIs while reaching base in 19 of those games. His recent form has included a 12-game hitting streak and a 15-game on-base streak, both personal bests.
Looking ahead, Norby is focused on solidifying his place in the Rockies' lineup. "I’m still young and trying to make a name for myself. I feel like I am doing a lot of good things and giving them reasons to play me," he stated. With his recent performances, he is certainly making a case for a long-term role in Colorado's infield as the team prepares for the future.
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