Sosa Slugs Baysox to Season Opening Win in Hartford

Chesapeake outfielder Thomas Sosa drives in four runs in 7-4 victory over Hartford Yard Goats

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring bold, angular shapes in navy, crimson, and gold, conceptually representing the action and excitement of a minor league baseball game.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy of the Baysox's season-opening victory over the Yard Goats.Chesapeake City Today

The Chesapeake Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, opened their 2026 season with a 7-4 win over the Hartford Yard Goats, the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Outfielder Thomas Sosa led the way for Chesapeake, tallying three hits and four RBIs, including a go-ahead two-run home run in the eighth inning to propel the Baysox to victory.

Why it matters

The Baysox are looking to build on a strong 2025 campaign and get off to a hot start in 2026. Sosa's breakout performance is an encouraging sign for the Orioles' top minor league affiliate as they aim to develop talent and compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern League.

The details

Chesapeake fell behind 1-0 in the fourth inning on an RBI single from Hartford's Benny Montgomery, but Sosa tied the game in the sixth with a two-run triple. The Yard Goats knotted the score at 3-3 in the seventh on a home run by Zach Kokoska, but Sosa put the Baysox back on top for good with his eighth-inning blast. Chesapeake would tack on two more runs in the frame to secure the opening day win.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • Sosa's go-ahead home run came in the eighth inning.

The players

Thomas Sosa

A 21-year-old outfielder for the Chesapeake Baysox, Sosa had a breakout performance in the season opener with three hits and four RBIs, including the go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning.

Trace Bright

The Baysox starting pitcher, Bright allowed just one run on three hits over five and one-third innings, striking out a Double-A best nine batters.

Yaqui Rivera

The Chesapeake relief pitcher, Rivera earned the win by pitching two and one-third scoreless innings to match the longest Double-A outing of his career.

Benny Montgomery

The Hartford Yard Goats outfielder drove in the game's first run with an RBI single in the fourth inning.

Zach Kokoska

The Yard Goats' first baseman hit a game-tying home run in the seventh inning to knot the score at 3-3.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Chesapeake continues its three-game season-opening series with Hartford on Friday night. Right-hander Christian Herberholz is set to make his first professional start for the Baysox against left-hander Konner Eaton for the Yard Goats.

The takeaway

Sosa's breakout performance in the season opener is an encouraging sign for the Baysox as they look to build on a strong 2025 campaign and develop top talent for the Orioles. The team's ability to rally late and secure the win also demonstrates their resilience and competitiveness as they aim to contend in the Eastern League.