COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Freshman left-hander Willie Rios threw six strong innings and struck out five as the No. 16 Maryland baseball team shutout Princeton, 5-0, at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium  

The Terrapins (11-4) dropped three runs in the bottom of the first to give Rios, who picked up his first career college win, a cushion he would not relinquish. Junior Kevin Martir led the Terps offensively with two hits and two RBIs.

“He [Rios] threw a lot of strikes,” head coach John Szefc said. “He was in the zone. He's really made a monstrous jump from the preseason to be able to get ahead of hitters. Mentally he's been outstanding.”

After a quiet Tiger half of the first, the Terps plated three. Sophomore Brandon Lowe reached on an error before advancing to second on a Kevin Smith groundout. Martir singled to center to plate Lowe followed by a Jose Cuas single to left.

Tim Lewis sent in Martir with a single and Nick Cieri plated Cuas on a groundout to close out the Maryland scoring in the inning.

Following the opening inning, Rios and Princeton starter Keelan Smithers engaged in a pitcher's dual that would see both teams held scoreless until the eighth. Ryan Selmer relieved Rios after the sixth and continued his strong season with a pair of spotless frames.

The Terps added two insurance runs in the eighth. Smith walked before stealing second and third. Martir singled in the Maryland freshman to make the score 4-0. Martir was subsequently caught stealing.

Cuas added the Terps final run after reaching on a walk. The junior stole second and then scored on a failed pickoff attempt.

Alex Robinson closed out the game for the Terps, who have now outscored the Tigers 20-0 in the series.

Game three is set for Monday at 11 a.m. at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium.  

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