COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Sophomore Brian Shaffer tossed eight and a third inning, but the Maryland baseball team dropped a 4-3 decision to High Point at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium.
The Terrapins (14-14, 1-2 Big Ten) led into the seventh before thn Bie Panthers notched to runs to clinch the game. Senior Anthony Papio recorded two hits and an RBI while sophomore Kevin Biondic drove in a pair of runs.
After an uneventful opening frame, High Point jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a two-run home run by Josh Greene. Shaffer settled in following the home run, throwing up four consecutive scoreless innings.
The Terps offense picked up the sophomore hurler with a three spot in the fourth. Junior Nick Cieri led off the inning with a walk before freshman Marty Costes doubled down the left field line to put runners on second and third with nobody out. Biondic followed with a double to right center that cleared the bases.
After Kevin Smith flew out, Papio slapped a single into left field to bring home Biondic and give the Terps a 3-2 lead.
High Point got to Shaffer in the seventh and a Drew Fopeano double provided the winning run. The Terps were unable to rally in the ensuing innings.
Shaffer's out was his third consecutive that he pitched into the ninth after back-to-back complete games. Bionic upped his hitting streak to nine games while Papio has reached in 11 consecutive games.
Maryland returns to action Tuesday against Liberty. First pitch from Lynchburg, Va., is scheduled for 6 p.m. and fans can listen to the action live on the Maryland Baseball Network.
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