MOBILE, Ala. – The Maryland baseball team exploded for nine runs in the sixth inning and defeated Arkansas, 13-6, in the final game of the South Alabama Tournament at Stanky Field Sunday afternoon.
The Terps fell behind 6-1 after five innings, but unleashed the bats in the sixth, plating nine runs on seven hits. Freshman Kevin Smith was spectacular throughout, notching a career-high three hits. The newcomer also made a number of fantastic defensive plays.
“It's the second day in a row our guys have worked to come from behind which is something we take pride in,” head coach John Szefc said. “As long as we keep making it hard for opposing staffs to get us out 27 times, I feel pretty good about it. I don't feel bad about coming out of here 2-1.”
The Razorbacks struck first in the second. Brett McAfee slammed a two-run blast that scored Tyler Spoon to put Arkansas up 2-0.
The Terrapins pulled a run back in the second. Anthony Papio was hit by a pitch before Andrew Bechtold stroked a single. Papio stole third to set up Kevin Smith, who slapped an RBI single to make the score 2-1.
Arkansas tacked on four more runs in the third. The Razorbacks notched four straight two-out hits on Maryland starter Brian Shaffer, capped by Tyler Spoon's three run homer.
A couple of scoreless frames set the stage for Maryland's gigantic sixth inning. After Jose Cuas reached on a throwing error, Nick Cieri singled, followed by a balk that advanced both runners. Tim Lewis then walked to load the bases and Kevin Martir singled home Cuas.
After Papio struck out swinging, Bechtold and Smith notched consecutive RBI singles to make it a one-run game. Brandon Lowe then came through with a single of his own to tie the game.
LaMonte Wade gave the Terps the lead with a single that plated Smith and Lowe. Cieri's subsequent blooper dropped in centerfield and scored Cuas, who had reached on a fielder's choice. The sophomore scored on Lewis' liner down the line that was called an error, and the Terps led 10-6 after six innings.
The Terps added a pair of runs in the seventh through Wade's two-run single. Papio doubled in Martir in the eighth to make the final score 13-6.
The Maryland bullpen was spotless after Shaffer was replaced after the third inning. Bobby Ruse, Zach Morris and Alex Robinson combined to pitch six innings of scoreless relief, allowing just two hits.
Maryland has not committed an error in its first six games.
Maryland is scheduled to return to action Tuesday against VCU. First pitch from Shipley Field is scheduled for 4 p.m.
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