Feb. 20, 2010

Box Score

MIAMI - FIU scored four runs in the second and third innings to get out to a commanding lead and Maryland dropped game two of the series, 11-2, Saturday night at FIU Baseball Stadium.

The Terps recorded 10 hits in the game but left 11 runners on base and were unable to overcome a strong performance by FIU starting pitcher Corey Polizzano. Polizzano spread out seven hits over six innings, allowing only one run, to earn the win. Maryland starter Eric Potter struck out five in 2 1/3, but gave up seven runs, five of which were earned in the loss.

David Poutier went 2-for-3 and Alfredo Rodriguez went 2-for-4 to lead the Terps (0-2) offensively.

Potter struck out Raiko Alfonso to start the second inning, but the Golden Panthers rattled off three straight hits, including a three-run home run by Jabari Henry. FIU tacked on another run in the frame when Pablo Bermudez singled to third, plating Junior Arrojo after a throwing error by Poutier.

The Terps answered with a run in the top of the third. Jack Cleary and Poutier singled, then Jon Wilson reached on an error by Polizzano, scoring Cleary. But the threat was put to rest with runners on second and third. Matthew Murakami hit a hard liner to shortstop that Arrojo caught on a line, tagging out Wilson for a double play.

FIU answered in the bottom half as Tim Jobe hit a two-run home run and the Golden Panthers plated an additional two runs when relief pitcher Matt Passauer committed a throwing error on a pickoff attempt.

Single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings padded FIU's lead. The Terps added one run in the ninth when Zach Fisher singled and later scored on a groundout by Carter Bumgardner.

The final game of the series is scheduled for Sunday at noon. RHP Sander Beck or LHP Adam Kolarek will get the start for the Terps, while LHP R.J. Fondon is expected to start for FIU.