TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Junior right-handed pitcher Mike Shawaryn struck out eight over five innings, but the Maryland baseball team fell, 3-1, to Alabama at Sewell-Thomas Stadium Friday night.
The Terrapins (0-1) were tied in hits with Crimson Tide, but were unable to capitalize on a couple of offensive opportunities early in the contest. Sophomore outfielder Zach Jancarski led the Maryland offense with a pair of hits and a walk.
Alabama took the lead on the third batter of the game when Chandler Taylor hit a solo home run to right field.
Maryland battled back in the top of the second. Junior Nick Cieri walked to begin the frame before freshman Andrew Bechtold dropped a single into left field.
After a fly out from senior Anthony Papio and a Justin Morris strikeout, sophomore Kevin Biondic drew a walk off Alabama starter Geoffrey Bramblett to load the bases. Bramblett then walked Jancarski to drive in Maryland's first run of the 2016 season.
Shawaryn settled in after the home run, retiring eight consecutive batters until the second Crimson Tide hitter of the fourth. However, Maryland was unable to take advantage off its offensive opportunities during that stretch.
In the third, freshman Nick Dunn notched his first hit as a Terp with a single to left. Ciei then drew a walk before both runners advanced into scoring positions on a wild pitch. Bramblett worked out of the jam, striking out Bechtold and Papio.
Jancarski put himself in scoring position with a double down the left field line in the fourth, but junior Madison Nickens struck out to end the frame. Nickens notched his first hit as a Terp in the seventh, but was stranded at second after advancing on an error.
Alabama took the lead for good in the sixth. Taylor doubled to center to drive in Chandler Avant. The Crimson Tide would add an insurance run in the seventh before Thomas Burrows closed the Terps out in the ninth. Jake Keller picked up the win in relief.
Maryland returns to action against the Crimson Tide Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Action can be seen live on SEC Network + or fans can listen live on the Maryland Baseball Network.
– Terps –
