May 2, 2000

Box Score

COLLEGE PARK, MD - Junior first baseman Chuck Easter had a career game, going 5-for-5 with three doubles, a triple, four RBI and scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning, leading Maryland (20-28) to a 9-8 win over Richmond (21-24) in baseball action on Tuesday at Shipley Field. The game marked the first of a two-game series between the two schools.

Easter's five hits and three doubles marked his career high. His biggest hit, however, was a two-run triple in the bottom of the ninth inning, deadlocking the game at 8-8. He then scored the winning run on a wild pitch.

Freshman third baseman Matt Craig got the Spiders off to a 3-0 lead. He doubled home a run in the top of the first inning and singled home two runs in the top of the second inning.

The Terps cut the lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the second inning when Larry Long singled home a run. They then tied the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the third inning as Easter and Steve Oursler each had a RBI double.

Richmond rebounded to take a 5-3 lead in the top of the fourth inning. Matt Reid scored on a throwing error and Vito Chiaravalloti drilled a RBI single. Maryland, however, tied the game at 5-5 in the bottom of the fourth inning. Larry Long scored on a sacrifice fly and Easter scored on a passed ball.

The Spiders appeared to have sealed the game with three runs in the top of the seventh inning as they scored took an 8-6 lead. G.R. Shallick provided the big blow with a solo home run to lead off the inning. Maryland, however, rallied with three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to pull out the win.

Easter becomes the first Terp to have a five-hit game since Brian Patenaude did the same against Duke on April 3, 1999.

Steve Schmoll (4-3) got the win while Mark Fisher (3-6) took the loss.

The two teams conclude their series tomorrow at 3 p.m.