Feb. 24, 2009
Box Score
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Gerry Spessard went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and starting pitcher Matt Fullerton tossed three scoreless innings in his first collegiate start as the University of Maryland defeated Coppin State, 16-1, in seven innings Tuesday afternoon at Shipley Field in the Terrapins' home opener.
The 16 runs scored were the most since the Terps (1-3) also scored 16 February 29 of last season against Hofstra. Spessard's three hits tied a career high.
Maryland took advantage of four Coppin State (0-1) errors to score five unearned runs, beginning in the bottom of the first inning.
With one out, designated hitter Jensen Pupa reached on catcher's interference and later scored on a two-out double to right field off the bat of A.J. Casario. Casario then scored on an RBI single by Spessard for a 2-0 Maryland lead.
The Terps got two more in the bottom of the second inning on a Josue Martinez balk and a Mike Murphy RBI single.
Already up 4-0, the Terps put the game away in the third inning, plating six runs despite only one hit that left the infield. Spessard had an RBI double in the inning and the other five runs came across thanks to a wild pitch, bases-loaded walk, infield single and a two-run error by third baseman Lonnel Bush.
Maryland tacked on two unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth and put together a four-run sixth inning in the sixth that included another Spessard RBI single.
The Eagles score their lone run in the top of the sixth inning via a Harry Williams RBI fielder's choice.
Fullerton (1-0) earned his first career victory, allowing two hits in three innings. Martinez (0-1) took the loss, allowing 10 runs, seven earned, in three innings, walking five batters and striking out three. Altogether, Coppin State pitchers walked 10 batters.
Freshmen Logan Welch, Tyler Bennett and Matthew Murakami all made their collegiate debuts for the Terps and Welch recorded his first hit, a single to right field in the sixth inning.
Maryland is on the road tomorrow for a 3 p.m. contest at James Madison. Sophomore Brett Harman will start on the mound for the Terps.
-TERPS-
