Maryland Kicks Off ACC Play At Duke

March 2, 2006

TERPS OPEN UP ACC ACTION AT DUKE

The Maryland Terrapins (4-6) will look to build on the momentum from a thrilling come-from-behind win in their home opener on Wednesday as they head to Durham, N.C. for a three-game series with Duke (4-8) from March 3-5. It will be the first Atlantic Coast Conference action of the year for both teams. In 2005, Maryland finished with a 7-23 mark in the league, while the Blue Devils were 5-25 in conference play.

This will mark the first time that the Terps and Blue Devils will meet as members of different divisions. Following the ACC's expansion to 12 schools this year, the teams were split up into two divisions: Atlantic (Maryland) and Coastal (Duke).

The Terps enter their series with the Blue Devils riding a three-game winning streak. All three of those victories have been by one run, including an exciting 5-4 ninth inning triumph over George Washington at Shipley Field on March 1.

Maryland leads the overall series with Duke, 74-66-1. The Blue Devils took two out of three from the Terps last year in Durham, while Maryland won two of three in College Park in 2004.

All three games this weekend will be broadcast online by WMUC Sports at www.wmucsports.com. Dave Vatz and Joey Whelan will be in the booth calling each game. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

SCOUTING THE BLUE DEVILS

Duke is off to a 4-8 start after dropping its last last three, including a 17-0 loss to UNC Wilmington the last time out. On Friday, the Blue Devils will kick-start a seven-game homestand that features battles against the Terps, LaSalle and No. 24 Winthrop.

Leading Duke on offense is shortstop Brett Bartles, who enters the series batting an even .400. He also has a team-high three home runs and 18 RBI in 12 games. The Blue Devils have two other regular starters hitting over .300, including first baseman Jonathan Anderson (.364) and catcher Matt Williams (.325).

Sean McNally is in his first season as head coach at his alma mater. A former All-ACC infielder for the Blue Devils, McNally was a four-year starter and two-year captain as a player in Durham. He comes to Duke after three years as a coach in the Cleveland Indians organization.

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