March 17, 1999

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Senior outfielder Eric Beer (New City, N.Y.), junior designated hitter Craig Munroe (Thornhill, Ontario) and junior outfielder Frank Valois (Ashton, Md.) each hit a home run, leading Maryland (4-7-1) to a 15-7 win over Howard (4-15) in its 1999 home-opening baseball game today.

Beer led off the top of the first inning with a solo home run and the Terps scored four more times to take a 5-1 advantage after one inning. Beer went 1 for 2 on the day to increase his team-leading batting average to .381. The home run was his second of the year.

Valois hit a two-run blast in the fifth inning to give Maryland an 8-2 cushion. He went 3 for 3 on the day, as he also recorded a single and a double.

Munroe scored the Terps' final run with a solo shot in the eighth inning. In addition to hitting his first home run of the season, Munroe is now tied for the team lead with 10 RBIs.

Junior pitcher Joe Hart (Walkersville, Md.), who pitched two scoreless innings, picked up his first win of the year, evening his record at 1-1.

Maryland plays Clemson this weekend in a three-game series at Shipley Field. The Terps and Tigers square off on Friday at 3 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.