The Terps couldn’t grab the first game of the weekend series.
Despite a late rally and clutch home runs, Maryland baseball was unable to secure the win after Northwestern’s solo home run in the 10th inning.
In a tightly contested battle, Maryland baseball fell 6-5 to the Wildcats in the three-game series opener on Friday evening at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium.
Kyle McCoy, who emerged as Maryland’s ace, dominated on the mound, throwing six innings and allowing only two earned runs while striking out three. Despite a few early jitters and handful of baserunners, McCoy’s composure and ability to escape jams was crucial in keeping the Wildcats off the board.
Northwestern (10-13, 3-3) got on the board first in the top of the second inning with two runs. Trent Liolios provided the spark, launching a homer to center field to put the Wildcats ahead. Northwestern tacked on another run with an RBI single from Tyler Ganus, extending their lead to 2-0.
Maryland answered back in the bottom of the third, fueled by a clutch performance from Hollis Porter. With two outs and runners on first and second, Porter delivered a three-run homer to right-center field, giving the Terps a 3-2 lead.
While both teams had opportunities to score in the middle innings, strong pitching kept the offense in check. McCoy found his rhythm after a shaky second inning, standing multiple Northwestern runners and holding the Wildcats scoreless through the next four innings.
The Terps’ defense held firm despite Northwestern’s threat in the fifth and sixth innings. Maryland limited the damage by stranding four Northwestern runners in scoring position, as McCoy and reliever Cristofer Cespedes combined to escape key
Northwestern refused to go down without a fight, responding with a run in the top of the seventh to narrow the deficit. Jack Counsell reached on a fielder’s choice, allowing a run to score and tie both teams.
Maryland pushed their lead with another big swing. Aiden Hill stepped up and crushed a solo home run to right center, giving the Terps back their 5-3 advantage.
Northwestern answered in the top of the ninth, after a double RBI from Liolios scored Jackson Freeman, tying the game 5-5 and sending it into extra innings.
The game continued into the 10th inning, tied at 5-5. Northwestern seized the opportunity in the top of the 10th with Tyler Ganus hitting a solo home run to center field, giving the Wildcats a 6-5 lead.
Maryland had their chance to respond in the bottom of the 10th but couldn’t capitalize. Hollis Porter struck out swinging, Alex Calarco grounded out to third base, and Chris Hacopian then grounded out to second base, ending the game and securing the win for Northwestern.
Three things to know
1. McCoy’s solid outing. The ace pitcher continues to impress, keeping Northwestern scoreless across multiple innings.
2. Porter’s big blast. Hollis Porter’s three-run home run made the difference in the game and proved to be a key moment in the game.
3. Hill’s timely homer. Aiden Hill’s seventh inning blast provided crucial insurance, ensuring the Terps had the lead, though Northwestern ultimately forced extra innings.