Feb. 28, 2010
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Sander Beck pitched seven splendid innings for Maryland but the Terps were undone by a crippling fifth inning in which Delaware got all the runs it would need to win.
After Beck allowed the first two batters - Steve Ulaky and Josh Dean - to reach base in the top of the fifth, Delaware's Dave Anderson hit a hard liner to third that was caught by David Poutier. Poutier attempted to throw to second to double off Ulaky, but his throw sailed into right field, allowing Ulaky to advance to third. With runners on the corners and a full count to batter D.J. Long, Beck threw a wild pitch that walked Long and allowed Ulaky to score. Maryland catcher Jack Cleary attempted to throw out Dean at third, but his throw went into right field and Dean scored to make it 2-1 Delaware.
The Blue Hens added an insurance run in the seventh on an RBI single by Carlos Alonso and in the eighth on a home run by Ulaky.
Maryland (1-5) took a 1-0 lead in the second inning with a small-ball approach after Matt Marquis led off the inning with a double. Marquis, who went 5-for-12 on the weekend, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Cleary and scored on a Mike Rozak groundout.
The Terps had a chance to expand their lead in the third when they loaded the bases with no outs, but Delaware starting pitcher Michael Londino recorded back-to-back strikeouts and got Marquis to ground into an inning-ending fielder's choice.
In the ninth, Maryland had the tying run at the plate with one out after Cleary singled and Rozak reached on an error, but Jon Wilson lined out and pinch hitter Tyler Bennett grounded out to end the threat and the game.
Beck (0-2, 4.91 ERA) struck out five and allowed just two earned runs in seven innings to take the loss. The sophomore gave up just one hit through four innings, keeping Delaware batters off-kilter with a consistent fastball and a hard-breaking curve.
Londino (1-0) earned the win for Delaware (2-4), striking out three and walking three in five innings of work.
The Terps have two mid-week games - against VMI Tuesday and Towson Wednesday - both scheduled for 3 p.m. starts. Hofstra comes to College Park on Friday for a three-game series.
