CHARLESTON, SC – Maryland was defeated by Ball State, 5-3, in its second game of the Swig and Swine College Classic at Detyens Field on Saturday. The Terps are now 1-1 this season.
Alex Calarco and Hollis Porter homered in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively. Calarco's was the 13th home run of his career and his fifth as a Terp. Porter's homer went to the opposite field and was his first at the Division I level after transferring from Pearl River Community College. His smash tied the game at 3-3.
However, Ball State (2-0) responded with a two-run shot in the bottom of the inning to put them ahead for good. Despite putting runners into scoring position in the following two innings, the Terps could not bridge the gap.
Brayden Martin went 3-for-4, with two doubles earning the 17th multi-hit game of his career. He also stole a base, his second swiped bag in Maryland's first two games. He also scored a run on an
Eddie Hacopian RBI double.
Joey McMannis started on the mound. He traveled four innings, striking out a career-high six batters and surrendering three runs on three hits.
Omar Melendez and
Logan Hastings came out of the bullpen, each pitching two innings. Melendez struck out three. Hastings made his first collegiate appearance, striking out two and surrendering one hit and zero runs.
The Terps are back in action tonight, playing a 7 p.m. game against Mercyhurst to close out their weekend in the Swine College Classic.
Breaking Down The Action
- Ball State jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first. A fielding error scored the game's first run, and a two-RBI single scored the others. The Ball hit to right field dropped despite a diving chance from the Terps.
- Joey McMannis pitched a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts in the second. Eddie Hacopian then drove in Brayden Martin, who stole third base with an RBI double. The Terps trailed 3-1.
- Alex Calarco crushed a solo home run in the fifth to bring the game within one run at 3-2.
- Hollis Porter then hit an opposite-field solo shot in the sixth to tie the game at 3-3. It was his first homer at the Division I level.
- Ball State responded with a two-run homer in the bottom of the inning to lead again at 5-3.
- The Terps put runners on second and third with a ground-rule double by Martin in the seventh but couldn't capitalize.
The New No. 3
- Eddie Hacopian has taken over the mantle as this season's new No. 3 and team captain, taking over for former All-Big Ten First Teamer Kevin Keister. Hacopian finished 1-for-4 with an RBI double in his second game wearing the iconic number. It was also his first game playing third base after switching from first base over the offseason.
- The No. 3 is a huge honor for whoever is given the number as it embodies the three pillars of Maryland baseball: toughness, ownership, and growth mindset.
- Hacopian, a 2024 All-Big Ten First Team selection, continues the tradition of strong leadership and honor that the No. 3 jersey represents.
- Hacopian is coming off a strong 2024 campaign, where the Potomac native finished with a .377 batting average, 83 hits, nine home runs and 51 RBI. His 83 hits a season ago were the 10th-most for a Terp in a single season.
- For more about Hacopian's story and journey to Maryland, visit this link.
Numbers To Know
- 1: Porter hit his first career home run at the Division I level after transferring from junior college.
- 1: Hastings debuted on the mound in relief for the Terps.
- 2: Martin stole his second base of the weekend, stealing third base in both games.
- 3: Martin tied his career-high with three hits.
- 6: McMannis struck out a career-high six batters.
- 13: Calarco has 13 home runs in his career, including five as a Terp.
- 17: Martin has 17 multi-hit games in his career.
Up Next
- Maryland is back in action tonight at 7 p.m. for a game against Mercyhurst. The game will be broadcast on HiCast Sports Network and Maryland Baseball Network.
