COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maryland’s offense exploded for seven runs in the third inning, propelling the Terps to a dominant 13-3 victory over No. 17 UCLA on Saturday at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium.
The win evened this weekend’s series at one game apiece. The Terps (8-6) racked up 12 hits — four of which were home runs. They never looked back after an early scoring outburst.
“I challenged them last night after the game to just, you know, say this is just what kind of character is all about after a tough loss,” Maryland coach Matt Swope said. “Kind of see how you answer, and the guys did a great job responding.”
Maryland’s offensive surge began in the third inning when third baseman Eddie Hacopian launched a two-run home run to center field, scoring Elijah Lambros. Two batters later, Alex Calarco crushed another two-run homer of his, sending a deep shot over the left-field fence.
The power surge continued when first baseman Hollis Porter hammered a solo shot to right-center. By the time the inning ended, Maryland had plated seven runs, knocking UCLA starter Ian May out of the game.
The Terps kept their momentum rolling. In the fourth, outfielder Jacob Orr singled up the middle, scoring Calarco and Porter to extend the lead to 9-0.
Chris Hacopian added Maryland’s final home run to the tally in the fifth, launching a two-run shot that put the Terps ahead 11-1. Maryland added two more runs in the sixth behind RBI doubles from Liam Willson and Lambros.
On the mound, Maryland starter Logan Hastings delivered a strong performance. The right-hander tossed six innings, allowing three runs on nine hits while striking out three.
UCLA (11-4) struggled to find consistent offense. The Bruins managed a run in the fifth and two more in the sixth but failed to generate a sustained rally.
Reliever Omar Melendez pitched a scoreless seventh, closing out the game and sealing Maryland’s win.
“I think our expectations are limitless,” C. Hacopian said. “We have a very good team. I think we just need to continue to play hard, play day by day.”
Maryland will look to continue its momentum in Sunday’s series finale.
