March 16, 2010

Box Score | Season Stats (PDF)

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Brandon Padula hit a two-out, run scoring double in the bottom of the eighth inning to break a 2-2 tie and Maryland defeated Old Dominion 3-2 Tuesday.

Alfredo Rodriguez singled through the left side with one out in the eighth and then stole his ACC-best eighth base of the season to reach scoring position. With a 2-2 count, Padula turned on a fastball and pulled it down the left field line, allowing Rodriguez to score what would be the game-winning run.

After relief pitcher Ian Schwalenberg recorded the first out of the ninth, Dan Gentzler moved from first base to pitcher and recorded the final two outs to earn his third save of the season. With the win, Maryland improved to 7-8 on the season.

Schwalenberg (2-2), who came on in relief of starter Adam Kolarek, struck out six in 4 1/3 while giving up four hits in the win. Kolarek pitched very effectively for the first four innings, giving up just one hit - a fourth inning home run to Jake McAloose - while striking out six. Gentzler recorded the 11th save of his career and is now tied for third on Maryland's career saves list.

The game looked to be a pitchers dual early on as neither team had a hit through three innings. Old Dominion broke through in the fourth with McAloose's home run, but the Terps answered back when Matthew Murakami hit his first home run of the season in the bottom half of the inning.

Old Dominion took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on an Austin Wright home run and looked like it would widen its lead in the sixth. The Monarchs loaded the bases with one out after Josh Wright was hit by a pitch, McAloose doubled and Edgar Hernandez walked. But Schwalenberg struck out Nathan Hartman and Chris Buss to end the threat, keeping Maryland within striking distance.

Maryland tied the game in the bottom of the sixth. Rodriguez led off the inning and reached second base on a throwing error by McAloose. After Matt Marquis drew a walk, Padula singled through the left side to score Rodriguez.

Chris Boggs (0-3) took the loss for Old Dominion (9-10), going 7 2/3 while striking out six, walking four and allowing three runs.

The Terps travel to Williamsburg, Va., to face William & Mary at 5 p.m. Wednesday.