By Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_301)
In another offensive showcase, Maryland baseball was able to ride a five-run fourth inning to jump out in front and hold off the Tennessee late comeback, winning 10-9 in the first game of the 13th annual Keith LeClair Classic.
The Terps’ offense was able to carry Maryland to victory, despite a season-high six runs allowed by Terps’ ace Mike Shawaryn.
Third basemen Andrew Bechtold led the way for the Terps with perhaps his best game of the season, going 3-4 at the plate and driving in four runs. Leadoff hitter and shortstop Kevin Smith went 3-5, and designated hitter Marty Costes went 2-4 with two RBI’s and two runs scored.
After the Volunteers tied the game at three in the top of the fourth inning, the Terps answered right away in the bottom half, breaking the game open 8-3.
The five-run inning started with Nick Dunn driving in outfielder Zach Jancarski on a deep flyout. After the Terps loaded the bases, Terps’ right fielder Anthony Papio drew a walk to bring in another run. Two batters later, Bechtold doubled to the left-center gap, scoring two.
The Volunteers would score three in the top of the fifth to trim the Terps lead to just one. But in the bottom of the sixth, Bechtold would single in Papio, and catcher Justin Morris would drive in Kevin Biondic to expand the Terps lead back to three.
In the eighth the Volunteers would trim the lead again, when first baseman Jordan Rodgers scored on a wild pitch. Tennessee would threaten again in the ninth, when senior Jeff Moberg would also score on a wild pitch.
The Volunteers had the tying run at third base, but sophomore pitcher Ryan Selmer would come in and strikeout third baseman Nick Senzel to end the game.
The Terps hope to continue their strong momentum tomorrow, as they face Southeastern Lousiana University in the second game if the Keith LeClair Classic.
