The 2020 World Series features two prominent former University of Maryland baseball players squaring off at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Tampa Bay Rays Second baseman, Brandon Lowe, and Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher, Adam Kolarek are just the sixth and seventh Terrapins in program history to advance to the Fall Classic. They join Ron Swoboda (1969), Charlie Keller (1939, 41, 42, 43), Vic Kenn (1926), Fred Anderson (1917) and Buck Herzog (1911, 12, 13, 17) as the only Terps to make it to the Fall Classic.
According to the NCAA, Maryland is one of five schools along with Cal State Fullerton, Mississippi State, Louisville and Virginia to have multiple players represented 2020 in the World Series. This World Series marks the first time in Maryland history since 1917 where two Terps are contending for the coveted title. It also marks the first time that two Terps are competing against each other in the World Series.
Lowe grew up in Suffolk, Virginia, and graduated from Nansemond High School where he was named first-team all state. Kolarek was raised in Baltimore and attended Catonsville High School where as a senior he finished 8-2 posting a 1.05 ERA on the mound.
After being stand out ball players at their respective high schools, both Lowe and Kolarek soared to new heights when putting on a Terrapin uniform.
As a Terp, Lowe hit .338 with 10 homers and 30 doubles. He was recognized as First-Team All Big Ten selection in 2015 during Maryland’s unstoppable run, leading to consecutive Super Regional appearances. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015. However, Lowe wasn’t called up to the roster until 2018 after he suffered a broken fibula two days before the MLB draft.
On the other hand, Kolarek spent two years as a Terp before taking the next step of his career to the MLB. As a Terp, he finished 4-2 with a 4.54 ERA and 55 strikeouts. In 2010, Kolarek was drafted by the New York Mets. Now both Terps are excelling at the highest level on the biggest stage.
During this shortened 60-game season, Lowe hit .269 with 14 home runs and 37 RBI’s. Meanwhile, Kolarek had a 0.95 ERA with opponents only hitting .164 against him.
Game six is tonight at 8:08 p.m. on FOX, as the Dodgers lead the Rays 3-2 in the series.
