The Terps are still searching for their first three-game series win of the season.
Calendars have turned to May, and Maryland baseball is entering the final stretch of the season — there are just 10 games to go before tournament season begins.
Coming off a three-game skid, capped by its midweek matchup against Georgetown, the Terps hit the road for a winnable three-game weekend series against Penn State.
The first game begins Friday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park in University Park, Pennsylvania. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., and the game will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.
Penn State Nittany Lions (25-17, 12-12 Big Ten)
2024 Season: (29-24, 12-12)
In his second season with Penn State baseball, head coach Mike Gambino has already made a noticeable impact on the program. In 2024, the Nittany Lions posted a solid 29 wins. A strong finish to Big Ten play helped the Nittany Lions to their first winning season since 2016.
This season, Penn State has faced challenges. In particular, it has struggled to find consistency through April, going 9-9 in its last 18 games. However, the program retains its faith in Gambino — the chance that they will build on the progress made in his first year remains likely.
Hitters to watch
Paxton Kling, junior outfielder, No. 28 — Kling has been a consistent force at the top of the lineup for Penn State with a .321 batting average. He has delivered 53 hits, 47 runs, 12 home runs and 42 RBIs. That power and ability to get on base is complemented by speed — Kling has 13 stolen bases on the year and will pose a threat to Maryland pitchers even after his at-bat.
Bryce Molinaro, sophomore infielder, No. 23 — Molinaro brings power to the lineup, leading the team with 47 RBIs and mashing nine home runs. Despite a batting average of .262, the 2024 All-Big Ten third team third baseman has shown the ability to produce in key moments.
Jack Porter, sophomore infielder/outfielder, No. 47 — Porter has put together a strong season in his first year as a Nittany Lion, sending seven of his 49 hits out of the park. With solid plate discipline and consistent contact, Porter is a steady presence in the lineup who can spark rallies.
Pitchers to watch
Ryan DeSanto, junior left-handed pitcher, No. 33 — DeSanto has been an anchor in the Nittany Lions’ rotation all season, pitching in 55.1 innings and posting a strong 3.58 ERA. The Frederick, Maryland native has racked up 59 strikeouts. With a team-high seven wins, DeSanto has been a reliable and effective arm on the mound.
Anthony Steele, senior left-handed pitcher, No. 30 — Throughout his career, Steele has developed into a dependable bullpen arm, with 40 strikeouts in 28.2 innings across 19 games this year. With his versatile role, Steele can be a key asset in late-game situations.
Ben DeMell, redshirt junior right-handed pitcher, No. 10 — DeMell has seen frequent action this year for the Nittany Lions, pitching in 17 games. In those contests, he has thrown to an ERA of 4.70 and struck out 34 batters, good for second on the team. DeMell has earned a 3-3 record on the season.
Strength
Strong bullpen. Penn State’s bullpen has shown moments of effectiveness in high-pressure situations, keeping games close and sometimes securing wins in the final innings.
Weakness
Conference play. The Nittany Lions have been a mixed bag in the Big Ten. Penn State has lost four of their eight weekend series on the season, including a winless weekend against UCLA last time out. However, big wins in games against Purdue and Michigan indicate Penn State’s potential.
Three things to watch
1. Close game mentality. Many of Penn State’s games this season have been close-run affairs: the Nittany Lions have a positive record (5-4) in one or two-run games, showcasing their ability to grind out close contests. If they can keep the game in reach, expect a back-and-forth battle where every pitch matters.
2. Eddie Hacopian keeps moving up. The senior has 155 runs in his career, seventh-most in program history. With Maryland baseball legends Chris Canaan and Larry Long tied for fifth place at 158 runs, Hacopian may be in the all-time top five by the end of the weekend.
3. Who steps up offensively? With multiple contributors in the lineup, Penn State has the potential to explode offensively. Watch out for key hitters like Kling to fire up the lineup and provide the spark needed to compete. For Maryland, Hollis Porter had his second two-home run game of the year on Tuesday. The Terps will need him to stay hot to try and win the weekend.