The Terps scored six runs in the final two innings to seal the win.
Maryland baseball trailed Delaware 1-0 after three innings. But a four-run fourth inning snatched the lead and shifted the momentum for good.
The Terps capitalized on two errors in the inning, as all four runs crossed home plate unearned. They scored seven unanswered runs en route to a 10-2 victory in Newark, Delaware, Wednesday.
The Blue Hens (17-14, 5-4 Coastal Athletic Association) struck first in the bottom of the third inning. After Andrew Amato singled to center field, he came around to score on an RBI double to left field by Evan Bouldin.
Maryland (15-19, 3-9 Big Ten) responded in the top of the fourth inning. After a single and an error put two runners on, Liam Willson struck a two-run single to left field to take the lead. Elijah Lambros followed with a triple to right field, driving in another run before scoring on a throwing error.
The Terps tacked on six more insurance in the eighth inning. Jacob Orr and Aden Hill reached base to lead off the frame, then an error by Delaware pitcher Dom Velazquez allowed Orr to score. Chris Hacopian followed with a two-run single through the right side, stretching the Terps’ lead to 7-1.
In the ninth inning, Maryland’s bats retained its fire. Alex Calarco and Brayden Martin drew walks against reliever Christian Colmery, and with two outs, Willson delivered again with an RBI single through the right side. Lambros followed with a two-run double down the left side, pushing Maryland’s lead to 10-1.
Delaware managed a rally run in the bottom of the ninth inning, as Vince Libretto launched a solo home run to left-center field off Ryan Van Buren. But one run barely cut into the sizable lead.
Van Buren was otherwise dominant, though, retiring the other five batters he faced. In fact, all of Maryland’s bullpen — Andrew Koshy, Brayden Ryan and Van Buren — combined for a strong defensive performances.
Ryan earned the win, allowing one earned run over four innings in his third start of the season, while striking out five batters. Koshy was impressive in relief, striking out five batters in two hitless frames, and Van Buren closed out the game with three solid innings, earning a save. The trio combined to strike out 12 batters and walk five, while limiting Delaware to just six hits.
The Terps struggled to break through against Delaware starter Tim Hartman, who pitched three shutout innings. But once Hartman exited, Maryland’s offense came to life, partially duo to the Blue Hens’ miscues.
At the plate, Maryland was led by Chris Hacopian — who went 3-of-5 with two RBIs — and Lambros — who added a double, triple and four RBIs. Willson’s pair of hits also drove in three runners.
Three things to know
1. Revenge game. Maryland got its payback after losing to Delaware, 13-10, in February. This time, the Terps’ cleaner defense, sharper pitching and late-inning execution made all the difference.
2. Bullpen domination. The Terps’ bullpen was lights out Wednesday. Koshy and Van Buren combined for seven strikeouts over five innings, allowing just one run.
3. Defensive mishaps. Delaware’s defensive errors played a significant role in Maryland’s win. A throwing error in the fourth inning allowed Lambros to score, and another error in the eighth inning gave the Terps an additional run, helping to extend their lead. Seven of Maryland’s runs were unearned.