COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Junior Jake Drossner tossed a career-high eight innings of shutout ball, but the No. 22 Maryland baseball team dropped its contest with Cal State Fullerton, 1-0, in 10 innings Sunday at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium.
The contest saw Drossner and Titan starter John Gavin engage in a pitcher's dual with both giving up just three hits. Taylor Bryant's 10th inning home run off junior Alex Robinson gave Fullerton the victory.
Maryland threatened in the first inning. Freshman Kevin Smith singled to center before junior Kevin Martir was hit by a pitch. Gavin was able to get out of the jam, inducing a fly out from junior Jose Cuas before striking out junior Anthony Papio.
Drossner faced the minimum over his first three innings before working out of a jam in the fourth. He found a bit more trouble in the seventh, but was spectacular throughout, striking out six and walking just one.
Robinson replaced Drossner in the ninth and got out of trouble before Cuas singled to start the Maryland bottom half. The junior advanced to second, but went no further as freshman Kengo Kawahara struck out to end the frame.
Bryant did his damage with two outs in the tenth, taking Robinson deep on a 3-2 pitch. Brandon Lowe was able to notch a two-out single in hopes of sparking a Terrapin rally, but Titan closer Tyler Peltzmeier was able to get Smith to ground out to end the game.
Maryland returns to action Tuesday for a midweek clash at VCU. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and the game can be heard live on the Maryland Baseball Network.
-Terps-
