March 17, 2012

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland starting pitcher Michael Boyden held No. 4 North Carolina to two runs in five innings of work, but the Tar Heels scored seven runs over the last four innings to assume command in a 9-5 series-clinching victory Saturday afternoon.

Boyden, making his first weekend start of the season, kept the Terps close after allowing a pair of runs in the second. The senior stranded six Tar Heels in his five innings, including two each in the second and the fourth.

That allowed Maryland to stay in the game, with North Carolina starter Chris Munnelly surrendering just two hits in the first six innings. Both of those came in the fourth inning, when second baseman Kyle Convissar singled up the middle and later scored on third baseman K.J. Hockaday's single to right to make it 2-1.

But a late barrage by the Tar Heels (16-3, 5-0) - who scored two runs in the sixth, three in the seventh and two in the ninth - proved too much for Maryland (13-6, 0-5) to overcome.

A fielding error in the sixth by Hockaday preceded a run-scoring double by Tar Heel designated hitter Tom Zengel, and left fielder Parks Jordan followed with a RBI single just past a diving Tim Kiene to make it 4-1 North Carolina.

The Tar Heels tacked on another three runs in the seventh with just two hits, capitalizing on three walks and a two-out error that kept the inning alive.

Maryland battled back though, scoring three in the bottom half of the inning. Left fielder Michael Montville and Hockaday opened the inning with back-to-back singles, chasing Munnelly from the game. After a walk to center fielder Jordan Hagel loaded the bases, right fielder Matt Bosse doubled off the wall in straightaway center to cut the lead to 7-3.

Pinch-hitter Andrew Amaro's RBI groundout made it 7-4, and shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez drew a walk to put runners on first and second with two outs. But North Carolina reliever Shaney Taylor struck out Convissar on a called third strike to end the inning.

North Carolina added insurance runs in the top of the ninth on a two-run single by Chaz Frank, who finished with a game-high three RBIs.

Jack Cleary's RBI single in the bottom of the ninth scored Hagel to make it 9-5, but the Terps could get no closer.

Munnelly (2-0) was credited with the win after allowing three runs on four hits in six-plus innings, while Boyden (2-2) took the loss after allowing two runs on six hits in five innings.

The third and final game of the series is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. Maryland RHP Brett Harman (2-1, 1.48) faces North Carolina RHP Benton Moss (2-0, 2.33).

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