By Daniel Bernstein
The Maryland Softball team entered their Tuesday afternoon home double-header against the St. Francis Red Flash on a three game winning streak, but lost both games to drop their overall record to 17-11.
The first game of the double-header, a 3 p.m. start that the Terps lost 3-2, was characterized by a comeback attempt that fell short after a costly error allowed St. Francis to take an early two run lead.
Down 3-1 in the bottom of the third, Maryland second baseman Corey Schwartz looked to initiate a Terrapin comeback with a solo home run to pull the team within a run of St. Francis. However, the home run – her 8th of the season – was the last run that the Terps scored all game, despite putting a multitude of runners on base over the final four innings.
Brenna Nation, who started the first game for the Terps, came into the matchup with a 3-0 record and an impressive 2.80 ERA in five appearances. But despite her recent play, she struggled against St. Francis, allowing three runs (two unearned) in 3 1/3 innings of work.
Star Terrapin pitcher Kaitlyn Schmeiser pitched well in relief of Nation, keeping St. Francis from adding to its lead over the final 3+ frames.
The Terps could not rebound in the second game, falling 5-2 to the Red Flash. St. Francis’ Nicole Paiotti provided the knockout punch with a go-ahead two-run home run in the top of the fourth.
The Terps take on Iowa this weekend looking to start the Big Ten season on a high note.
