May 10, 2006
Box Score
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Mike Murphy drove in the winning run on a clutch RBI single with two down in the eighth and sophomore Brett Cecil tied the Maryland all-time saves mark as the Terrapins (25-30) came from behind to defeat Maryland Eastern Shore, 3-2, and sweep a Wednesday doubleheader at Shipley Field.
Trailing, 2-1, late, the Terps tied the game in the seventh thanks to Dan Melvin before pulling ahead in dramatic fashion during their next at-bat. The victory gives Maryland a 12-0 record in non-conference home games as well as a 12-4 mark in one-run contests.
Seth Overbey (5-2) threw one hitless inning en route to his second victory in as many nights before Cecil came on to close the door on UMES in the ninth. Starter Mike Sufczynski was also effective for Maryland on the mound, allowing one run on three hits with four strikeouts in a season-high six innings of work. Right-hander Dustin Longchamps (6-6) took the loss, allowing two earned runs in a complete game effort (126 pitches).
The Fighting Hawks opened the scoring in the top of the second. Rightfielder Ronald Quick walked and moved to third on a Bernie Stratchko single. Following a strikeout by Anthony Jackson, catcher Morgan Schirmer gave UMES the lead on a sacrifice fly to center.
Longchamps held the Terps without a hit or a run through the first 4.1 innings before leftfielder Dan Benick changed all that on one swing. After Murphy grounded out to start the bottom of the fifth, the freshman from Glen Lyon, Pa. drilled his fourth home run of the year over the fence in left to tie the game.
Jackson put the Hawks up in the top of the seventh against southpaw Brett Tidball. Quick led off with a single and moved to third following a sacrifice bunt and passed ball. On a 2-2 pitch, Jackson ripped a double to right, plating Quick to make it 2-1, UMES.
Maryland battled back in the bottom of the inning to tie things up once again. Nick Jowers walked, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by the catcher. Melvin then strode to the plate as a pinch hitter and punched an RBI single to right to give the Terps new life.
After Overbey held the Hawks scoreless in the top of the eighth, Maryland went ahead in its half of the inning. Following an infield single by Jason Von Behren, pinch runner Dan Przybylski moved into scoring position on a Matt Maropis sacrifice bunt. Gerry Spessard struck out and Chad Durakis walked, giving Maryland two on and two out for Murphy. Batting with a full count, the freshman from Silver Spring, Md. laced a base hit into center as Przybylski flew home with the winning run.
A perfect ninth by Cecil sealed the victory and netted the closer his 15th career save. He now sits in a tie with Charles Devereux (1989-92) for first place on the all-time list in that category with one game remaining this season.
That contest will take place Thursday, when the Terps conclude their year with a home matchup against Coppin State. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. with senior Ben Pfinsgraff scheduled to start on the hill.
