Maryland baseball clinches third straight conference series, defeats Ohio State, 3-2

The primary seven innings of the sport between Maryland baseball and Ohio State had been a pitcher’s duel. However within the prime of the eighth, the prolific Maryland offense got here to life.

The Terps broke the 1-1 tie with huge singles by designated hitter Ian Petrutz and first baseman Eddie Hacopian — each sophomores — to place them up 3-1.

The Buckeyes hit a solo house run within the backside of the eighth, however Maryland was ready maintain on for a 3-2 victory. The Terps improved to 3-0 in convention sequence to start the season.

“It’s been a grind by means of this yr thus far, but it surely’s a tricky group of children, man,” head coach Rob Vaughn stated. “They compete actually onerous,”

Junior catcher Luke Shliger jumpstarted the Maryland offense instantly, as he roped a leadoff double down the road to kick off the sport. Regardless of beginning sturdy, Shliger was caught sleeping on the bottom paths and acquired picked off at second.

Within the backside half of the primary, the Buckeyes had been knocking on the door to get an early lead, however a strikeout from Dean acquired ended the jam with runners on the corners.

The second and third innings noticed little offense, as Dean and Jenkins allowed simply three mixed hits.

Within the backside of the fourth, Ohio State’s offense discovered its legs, as its first three batters reached base. Dean, nonetheless, as soon as once more labored out of a jam by forcing three straight outs to maintain the sport scoreless.

“[Dean’s] a celebrity and I’m actually pleased with his toughness and what he gave us in the present day,” Vaughn added.

Maryland drew first blood within the prime of the fifth, as sophomore proper fielder Zach Martin hit a solo house run over the fitting area fence.

Within the backside of the sixth, Dean started to expire of fuel, loading the bases with one out. After battling with sophomore second baseman Josh McAlister in a protracted at-bat, McAlister acquired the higher of Dean, drawing a stroll to tie the sport up at one.

Fifth-year right-handed pitcher Kenny Lippman changed Dean, who completed having thrown 5 ¹⁄₃ innings of one-run ball, to get the ultimate two outs of the sixth inning and preserve the sport tied.

A leadoff single by junior second baseman Kevin Keister and stroll by Shliger gave Maryland runners on first and second with no outs to begin the seventh inning. Shaw then drove a fly ball to heart area, which was deep sufficient for Keister to tag up and transfer to 3rd.

On a 2-2 depend, sophomore designated hitter Ian Petrutz then laced a ball by means of the fitting aspect of the infield, scoring the go-ahead run for Maryland. Sophomore first baseman Eddie Hacopian saved the offense going, poking a single of his personal to present Maryland a 3-1 lead.

Ohio State was not going to pack it in as senior proper fielder Mitchell Okuley blasted a solo house run to chop the Maryland result in one.

Fifth-year righty David Falco Jr. got here in for the save for the second consecutive recreation, and was as soon as once more capable of carry house a victory for Maryland.

“Our pitching was completely elite in the present day, and it gave us an opportunity to win a decent one,” Vaughn stated.

Three issues to know

1. Dean was capable of work himself out of jams. By his 5 ¹⁄₃ innings pitched, Dean allowed the Buckeyes a number of alternatives. He confirmed his composure, although, working out quite a few jams. This was particularly key within the third inning, when the Buckeyes had the bases loaded with no outs however couldn’t muster a run.

2. The Maryland offense stepped up when it wanted to. After a sluggish recreation for each offenses, Maryland’s got here alive within the eighth inning. It was capable of generate early baserunners to present itself a chance to attain runs, and it did simply that.

3. Maryland clinched its third straight Huge Ten sequence. Maryland improved to 6-2 in Huge Ten play. After some shaky play in the beginning of the season and hard losses in midweek video games, Maryland finds itself atop the Huge Ten standings. If it needs to make the NCAA Match, it’ll have to remain there.