March 30, 2010
Box Score | Season Stats (PDF)
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland pitchers allowed just two hits over the last six innings while the offense scored the final six runs of the game, as the Terps defeated VCU 7-2 Tuesday at a rainy Shipley Field at Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium.
Ian Schwalenberg came on in relief of starter Adam Kolarek with one out in the fourth, pitching his way out of trouble and giving up just two hits in 3 2/3 innings.
Dan Gentzler came on to pitch the eighth and ninth innings and didn't allow a hit. Gentzler struck out four batters in the ninth after a passed ball allowed a batter to reach base, becoming the first Terp to do so since Brad Lyons did it against Coppin State on April 4, 2001.
With the game tied at 2-2, Maryland scored the go-ahead run in the fourth inning. Freshman Zach Fisher, who was making the first start of his career at third base, led off the inning with a single. Catcher Jack Cleary followed with a single to left field, and Fisher scored on Alfredo Rodriguez's single through the right side.
The Terps added another run in the sixth inning after Gentzler, who started the game at first base, drew a leadoff walk. The senior advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Mike Rozak, bringing Fisher to the plate. Fisher singled to right field, and a misplay by VCU right fielder John Lenherr allowed Gentzler to round third and come home for a 4-2 Maryland lead.
Three runs in the bottom of the eighth gave Maryland (10-15) a comfortable lead. VCU committed two errors to start the inning and Cleary put down a bunt single to load the bases. Rams pitcher Josh Alford issued back-to-back walks and Cleary scored on a fielder's choice to give Maryland a 7-2 lead.
That would be more than enough breathing room for Gentzler, who recorded his sixth save of the season. In addition to his four strikeouts in the ninth, Gentzler had one in the eighth, setting a new career-high with five total.
Schwalenberg (3-2) earned the win, striking out four in 3 2/3 without issuing any walks.
Brennan Huelse (0-1) suffered the loss for VCU (13-11), giving up two runs on four hits in 2 2/3.
Fisher had his second-straight two-hit game and was one of three Terps to have multi-hit outings. Cleary went 2-for-3, while David Poutier went 2-for-4.
The Terps continue their five-game homestand on Wednesday, as they play host to Navy at 6 p.m.
