March 10, 2007
Box Score
RALEIGH, N.C. - Sophomore third baseman Mike Murphy hit a solo shot in the second inning while senior Jon Greenwich blasted a rainmaker over the fence in the ninth as the Maryland baseball team defeated No. 27 North Carolina State Saturday, 4-2, at Doak Field.
The Terrapins (11-3, 2-0 ACC) grabbed the series win over the Wolfpack for the first time in four seasons with the victory, while NC State (11-6, 0-2) dropped its fourth decision in five games despite out-hitting the Terps by a 10-5 margin.
Freshman Ian Schwalenberg picked up his second win of the season after recording the final two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, while Wolfpack reliever Andrew Taylor (0-1) took the loss. Junior Brett Cecil pitched a perfect ninth to earn his fifth save of the year.
Murphy's solo shot in the second evened the ledger at 1-1 after Jeremy Synan's RBI single to the left field gap scored the game's opening run in the bottom of the first inning. After the second, though, neither team mustered much offense as Maryland starter Ryan Moorer and Wolfpack hurler Eric Surkamp were locked into a pitcher's duel through six innings.
Maryland took a 2-1 lead in the top of the seventh when Murphy doubled down the left field line to score sophomore Gerry Spessard from first base. The Wolfpack matched the feat in the bottom of the eighth inning, as Caleb Magnum hit an RBI double to even the score at two apiece.
Greenwich entered the game in the ninth inning as the leadoff hitter, and smashed the second pitch he saw deep out of the park to break the tie. Following a pitching change three batters later, Murphy completed his 3-for-3 day at the plate when he slapped a double to right field, scoring sophomore Dan Benick for the insurance run.
Cecil made his tenth appearance of the season to start the bottom of the ninth inning, and promptly retired the side, as he struck out Matt Payne to give the Terps the victory.
With the win, the Terrapins improved to 10-1 when leading or tied after the seventh inning, and 7-1 on the year when recording at least one home run. After taking the first two games, Maryland has now earned weekend series wins against every opponent it has faced this season.
Junior right-hander Kevin Biringer will have the call for the Terps Sunday as they try for their first ACC road sweep in eight seasons against the Wolfpack. First pitch from Doak Field is set for 1:30 p.m.
