COLLEGE PARK, Md.—The Maryland softball team picked up four runs in the fifth inning to propel themselves past conference foe Penn State, 8-6. Lindsey Schmeiser led the Terps (24-19, 6-7 Big Ten) offensively, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. The Dunkirk, Md. native's leadoff single in the first inning, extended her hit streak to 20 games.
Penn State opened the scoring in the top of the first. Mollie Sorenson reached base off an infield single, as a wild pitch moved her into scoring position. Macy Jones doubled to left center bringing a run across for the Lions.
After a Kylie Datil double to right center drove in the tying run in the second, Maryland jumped out to a 2-1 lead in the third. Bridget Hawvermale lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, plating Corey Schwartz.
Penn State retook the lead in the fourth, scoring two runs off a solo home run and a RBI single.
The Terrapin offense exploded in the fourth, scoring five runs off four hits. Datil led the inning off with a walk as L. Schmeiser, the ensuing batter, blasted a two-run home run to dead left. Hannah Dewey singled and Schwartz was hit by a pitch as Erin Pronobis doubled to left center bringing home a run. Shannon Bustillos took the ball to left center for a two-RBI double. Three straight outs ended the inning, but not prior to Maryland opening a 7-3 lead.
Maryland added and additional run in the fifth as the defense held strong on Penn State through the fifth and sixth.
In the top of the seventh, PSU recorded three runs, but the Terrapins quelled the comeback attempt, as Kaitlyn Schmeiser re-entered the game to get the save.
Erin Pronobis also had solid day from the plate, going 2-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored. K. Schmeiser (18-7) picked up the win and the save (4) pitching a combined 4.1 innings and striking out four. Dewey added time from the circle, pitching 2.2 innings and striking out two.
Maryland returns to the diamond on Saturday for a 1:00 p.m. meeting with Penn State. The Terps will look to pick up its third conference series.
-Maryland-
