EVANSTON, Ill. – Junior Anthony Papio notched two hits and an RBI, but the Maryland baseball team fell, 3-2, to Northwestern at Rocky Miller Park Friday afternoon.

The Terrapins (35-20, 13-10) held the lead after 5 and 1/2 innings, but could not hold the advantage. Freshman Kevin Smith added two hits for the Terps.

After a couple of scoreless frames, Northwestern grabbed the lead in the third. JR Reimer singled before moving to second on a Kyle Ruchim walk. Zach Jones then singled up the middle to plate Reimer and give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.

Maryland answered in the top half of the fourth. Junior Jose Cuas and freshman Jamal Wade drew consecutive walks before Papio stroked a single into right to plate both runners. Freshman Kevin Biondic struck out to end the innings, but the Terps led 2-1.

Northwestern took the lead in the sixth. Scott Heelan scored on a Matt Hopfner single before Joe Hoscheit came across on a single from Cody Stevens.

Papio threatened for the Terps in the third, reaching on a walk before advancing to third on a sac bunt and a groundout. Junior LaMonte Wade ended the inning with a groundout to first.

Jake Stolley picked up a two inning save to close out the game for the Wildcats. Matt Portland went seven innings to earn the win for Northwestern. Freshman Brian Shaffer gave up six hits over five and 1/3.

Maryland returns to action against the Wildcats Saturday at 1 p.m.

-Terps-