April 22, 2011
Box Score
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Virginia Tech left-hander Joe Mantiply struck out nine and allowed two runs to outduel Maryland's David Carroll, who struck out eight but allowed four runs, as the Hokies defeated the Terrapins 7-2 Friday night at rain-soaked Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium.
Both starters set career highs in strikeouts amidst a steady rain, with Mantiply lasting 6 1/3 and spreading out five hits. Carroll was nearly as good, logging 6 2/3 innings and walking just one, but the Hokies (21-19, 5-14) picked up single runs in the third and fourth and two more in the fifth to edge ahead.
Tied 1-1 in the fourth, Tech's Andrew Rash and Tony Balisteri each singled through the right side to put runners on the corners. Carroll induced Matt Blow into a groundball double play, but Rash was able to score on the play.
The sloppy field conditions started to show in the fifth, when Hokie second baseman Michael Seaborn hit a shot to left field that landed in a puddle on the warning track to help Seaborn advance all the way to third on a triple. Carroll threw a wild pitch to the next batter that allowed Seaborn to score and Tim Smalling homered to left field a batter later for a 4-1 Virginia Tech lead.
The Terps got within two in the seventh after Jake Stinnett and Korey Wacker led off the inning with singles and Stinnett scored from third on a wild pitch, but Maryland was unable to draw any closer.
After being held hitless in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, Virginia Tech came through with three runs in the ninth, capped by Ronnie Shaban's two-run double to left field to pull away.
Mantiply earned the win and improved to 5-5 on the year, while Carroll took the loss and fell to 5-4. Maryland's Jimmy Reed struck out the only batter he faced and Charlie Haslup struck out three in two innings as each team finished with 12 Ks.
Tim Kiene led Maryland offensively with a 2-for-4 day and Alfredo Rodriguez extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a RBI double in the third inning.
The Terps and Hokies continue the series on Saturday, as RHP Brady Kirkpatrick (2-1, 3.38) takes on RHP Marc Zecchino (3-4, 4.67). First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
