Feb. 22, 2011
Season Stats (PDF)
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The University of Maryland baseball team plays host to Navy in the 2011 home opener on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium.
Maryland, fresh off a four-game series at No. 6 Texas, is opening an eight-game homestand that includes three-game series with Army and Canisius, as well as a single game against Delaware. It will be the first game at Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium since a number of renovations were completed.
A new turf infield was installed with a brick catchers backstop, signage was upgraded throughout the stadium and the concession stands received upgrades, most notably the addition of a third-base grill.
On the field, the Terps have plenty to build on after nearly splitting the series with the Longhorns. Maryland won 10-1 in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday and led 4-1 heading into the seventh of game two before falling 7-4.
Several players had solid performances over the weekend. Brandon Padula went 3-for-7 with two doubles, including a pinch-hit, two-run double in Maryland's win. Tomo Delp was 5-for-15 with a home run and five RBI while playing error-free defense at third and first base. Freshman third baseman Jake Stinnett (.333), junior outfielder Matt Marquis (.333) and junior shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez (.308) also batted above .300 on the weekend. Rodriguez also stole two bases and drew three walks.
Starting pitchers Sander Beck, David Carroll and Eric Potter combined had a 3.16 ERA in 17 1/3 innings of work. Charlie Haslup, Michael Murphy, Gary Schneider and Jimmy Reed all pitched one scoreless inning of relief. Haslup and Murphy didn't allow a base runner in their appearances.
Navy was swept in its opening series at Presbyterian, losing 12-5, 12-5 and 10-7. The Midshipmen, who were picked to finish fifth in the six-team Patriot League, return two All-Patriot League performers in outfielder Alex Azor and starting pitcher Ben Nelson. Navy returns 14 letterwinners from last year's team, which went 30-21.
Maryland leads the all-time series with Navy, 30-28. The Terps defeated the Midshipmen 5-1 in their lone meeting last season. Admission is free to all non-conference home games.
