March 2, 2007
Box Score
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Senior left-hander Casey Baron pitched eight scoreless innings to lead the Maryland baseball team to a 4-2 non-conference victory Friday against Lafayette in the series opener. The Terrapins improved to 8-2, while the Leopards (2-1) fell for the first time this season.
On a warm and sunny afternoon at Shipley Field, both starting pitchers were effective from the mound, as Baron pitched eight innings without allowing a run before surrendering a two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning to cut the deficit to 4-2. Baron was replaced by junior Brett Cecil, who notched his second save of the season.
Leopards starter Ted Gjendum (0-1) allowed just five hits in his eight-inning outing, but gave up all four Maryland runs in a crucial second-inning rally by the Terps.
Sophomore Wink Nolan started the inning's scoring with his RBI fielder's choice, when an attempt to turn a double play by Gjendum ended up with an error and a Maryland run. Sophomore Gerry Spessard scored from second base on the play. After a sacrifice bunt by junior Steve Braun, junior left fielder Joe Palumbo drove in two more runs with a double to left-center field. The final Terrapins run was driven in by sophomore Mike Murphy with his single to left, which scored Palumbo.
Baron, who fell one strikeout short of tying his career high with four on the day, scattered nine hits. In the top of the ninth, pinch hitter Brad Weiss singled to right field. One batter later, left fielder Kevin Leasure drove a shot over the right field fence for a two-run home run.
Cecil was called in from the bullpen and allowed a hit and a walk before earning the save.
Maryland's victory improved its non-conference home win streak to 17 games.
The Terps will try for their first five-game win streak in nearly three years when they play host to Lafayette for the second game of the series Saturday. First pitch from Shipley Field is set for 1:00 p.m.
