COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Shawaryn threw eight innings of one-run ball with nine strikeouts to help the No. 16 Maryland baseball team defeat Iowa, 10-1, at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium Friday night.
The Terrapins (24-8, 8-2 Big Ten) received stellar offensive performances from junior Jose Cuas and freshman Kengo Kawahara in the win. Cuas had two hits, including a three-run homer, while Kawahara nabbed three RBIs and a double.
After a scoreless first inning, Maryland struck in the second with two outs. Freshman Jamal Wade started the threat, reaching after being hit by a pitch. Freshman Justin Morris then singled to right before Kawahara doubled to right center, plating both runners to give the Terps a 2-0 lead.
Iowa nabbed its only run in the game in the top of the third before the Terps seized control in the sixth. Cuas started the inning with a single before a Tim Lewis walk. Wade then hooked a double down the left field line to plate Cuas.
After Morris grounded out, Kawahara walked to load the bases. Sophomore Brandon Lowe then drew a walk of his own to send Lewis. Freshman Kevin Smith made it three walks in a row, taking ball four on a 3-2 count to plate Wade and make the score 5-1 Maryland after six.
Shawaryn wobbled a bit in the early innings but got stronger as the game went on and eventually struck out nine Iowa batters. The sophomore threw a season-high 128 pitches.
In the eighth, Maryland put up a five-spot to seal the game. Kawahara was once again at the center of proceedings, ripping a single to plate Zach Jancarski, who was pinch running after a Wade double.
After Justin Morris scored on a wild pitch, Cuas delivered a bullet into left center for his sixth home run of the season. Ryan Selmer would finish off the game in the ninth as the Terps handed the Hawkeyes their first Big Ten loss of the season.
Shawaryn's eight wins lead the nation and he now has 19 career wins, the most for any sophomore in the country. He is one victory away from tying John Rayne's (1989-92) school record for career wins.
Maryland returns to action Saturday at 2 p.m., with LHP Tayler Stiles on the mound. The game will be streamed live on BTN Plus.
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