March 5, 2010

Box Score

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland snuck out to an early lead over Hofstra, tallying single runs in the first and second innings, and the Terps went on to defeat the Pride 6-3 Friday at Shipley Field at Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium.

Maryland's Eric Potter and Hofstra's Sean Monaghan were locked in a pitchers dual for the first six innings, with the Terps leading 2-1 when both pitchers exited after six innings. A three-run seventh by Maryland, spurred by a bases-loaded single by David Poutier, proved to be the difference in the game.

Tyler Bennett and Jack Cleary drew lead off walks to start the seventh and advanced to second and third on a sacrifice bunt by pinch hitter Jon Wilson. Hofstra chose to intentionally walk Matthew Murakami to load the bases, setting up the run-scoring single by Poutier. With the bases still loaded and one out, head coach Erik Bakich called for a squeeze play, sending all three runners as Alfredo Rodriguez put down a perfect bunt. Murakami just beat the tag at home and as Hofstra catcher Kevin Flynn threw to first to putout Rodriguez, Cleary rounded third and went home for a 5-1 lead.

Maryland added an insurance run in the eighth and Ian Schwalenberg came on in the ninth to diffuse a bases loaded, no outs situation for the Terps. Schwalenberg struck out the first two batters he faced; after an error allowed a run and prolonged the inning, Hofstra's Mike Walraven hit a shot to deep right field that appeared would tie the game. But defensive replacement Jordan Hagel made a sprinting catch at the wall to end the threat and send Maryland to its second consecutive win.

Potter (1-1) earned the win for Maryland (3-6), while Monaghan (0-1) suffered the loss for Hostra (0-7).

Maryland and Hofstra play the second of the three-game series Saturday at 1 p.m. RHP Brett Harman is expected to start for the Terps, while RHP Jared Rogers will take the mound for the Pride.