BEL AIR, Md. – The Maryland baseball team put the tying run on base in the ninth inning, but fell 10-8 to Delaware at Harford Community College Tuesday night.
The Terrapins (5-6) took an early lead, but were ultimately overtaken by the Blue Hens. The Maryland offense pounded out nine hits and drew 10 walks.
Delaware took the lead in the top of the first before Maryland fought back to score two in the bottom half of the inning. Junior Madison Nickens executed a perfect bunt single before scoring on a Nick Dunn single into the gap in right center.
Dunn advanced to second on an error on a play at the plate involving Nickens and then made it to third on a Nick Cieri flyout. Cole Benjamin then threw a wild pitch that allowed Dunn to score.
After another Delaware run in the second, Maryland manufactured a run in the bottom half to retake the lead. Freshman Peyton Sorrels singled to right for his first career hit before Kevin Smith singled. Back-to-back walks issued to Nickens and Dunn scored Sorrels to make it 3-2.
Brian Mayer's three-run homer in the third gave Delaware a lead it would not relinquish as Blue Hens eventually held a 9-3 advantage. The Terps benefitted from some shaky control from Blue Hen pitching (four walks, one HBP) to score two runs in the sixth. Delaware then plated another run in the top of the eight.
Maryland attempted to stage a furious comeback in the ninth, scoring three runs and ultimately putting the tying run on base. Freshman Nick Browne, pinch hitting for Marty Costes, ripped a one-out double to left. After junior Brandon Smith struck out, Papio reached on an error by the shortshop that plated Browne.
Sophomore Andrew Bechtold then drew a walk before freshman Dan Maynard cleared the bases to make the score 10-8. Representing the tying run, sophomore Jamal Wade walked to give Nickens a chance to tie or win the contest. The junior struck out looking to end the game.
Smith extended his team-best hitting streak to nine games. Dunn and Nickens have reached base in all 11 games for the Terps.
Maryland returns to action Wednesday against George Washington at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m., and the game can be heard live on the Maryland Baseball Network.
– Terps –
