The Terps could not replicate their historic performance from Saturday.
Maryland baseball couldn’t repeat its record-breaking offensive performance from Saturday, falling, 11-9, at Western Carolina Sunday. The contest included a fierce comeback in an intense back-and-forth game that extended to a 10th inning.
After scoring a program-high 35 runs in Saturday’s game, the Terps struggled to find the same offensive power. Western Carolina’s pitching staff held Maryland to eight hits, while the Catamounts capitalized on key opportunities to secure the win.
Maryland struck first in the top half of the first inning. Brayden Martin — who got on with an infield single — crossed home plate after Alex Calarco was walked on a full count.
However, the Terps missed an opportunity to do further damage, as Micheal Iannazzo popped out to first and Elijah Lambros struck out swinging, leaving three runners on base.
Western Carolina responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Hayden Friese notched a single to the right side, and Brayden Corn followed with a double to left-center field, scoring Friese to tie the game.
Trent Turner then hit an RBI single through the left side, giving the Catamounts a 2-1 lead. The Terps were fortunate to end the inning without further damage, as Trey Spees flew out to center field and Wyatt Stanley struck out swinging.
Maryland tied the game in the top of the third behind Chris Hacopian’s bat, as he launched a two-run home run to left field, scoring his older brother, Eddie. But the Terps couldn’t keep their momentum, as Western Carolina retook its lead in the fifth inning with a three-run rally, putting itself ahead, 6-3.
Maryland trimmed the lead to two runs in the top of the seventh inning. After Jacob Orr doubled to right field, he stole third and later scored on a passed ball to make it a 6-4 game. However, Western Carolina responded again in the bottom half of the inning to extended its lead to three runs.
Maryland cycled through multiple pitchers in an effort to slow down the Catamounts’ offense. Omar Melendez got the start, allowing three runs over the first four innings. Logan Hastings took over in the fifth, but struggled, prompting Andrew Johnson, Ryan Bailey and Andrew Koshy to finish the game.
Maryland put together a last-minute effort in the top of the ninth inning with two outs, Chris Hacopian hit a massive three-run homer to left-center field, scoring Eddie Hacopian, Orr and Parker Corbin and giving the Terps their first lead since the first inning.
The Catamounts responded immediately, though, when Corn brought Jack Spyke home on a hit-by-pitch, forcing an extra inning.
Maryland entered the 10th inning determined to complete the comeback, with Catamounts pitcher Carter Burnette on the mound, Aden Hill on first, Iannazzo on second and Calarco on third.
But the inning took an unfortunate turn for Maryland, when Orr flew into a double play. A wild pitch ultimately allowed Calarco to score and pushed the Terps’ lead to 9-8, though.
Koshy faced immense pressure as he worked the final inning. After striking out Spyke and forcing Spees to ground out, Koshy found himself in a tough spot with two runners on base. And with a 2-2 count, Elijah Smith smashed a walk-off homer to center field.
Despite the loss, Chris Hacopian continued his impressive start to the season with the three hits, six RBIs and two home runs. Orr also stood out with his aggressive base running, producing one of Maryland’s best offensive highlights and two hits. But outside of those individual efforts, the Terps struggled to generate consistent pressure at the plate.
Maryland, now 3-3 on the season, will look to bounce back in their next matchup against Delaware Tuesday.
Three things to know
1. Offensive struggles. After scoring 35 runs Saturday, Maryland managed just nine runs Sunday.
2. Hacopian’s impact. Chris Hacopian delivered Maryland’s biggest hit of the game with a clutch three-run home run, but it was not enough to secure the victory.
3. Western Carolina capitalizes. The Catamounts took advantage of Maryland’s three errors, producing 16 hits to secure the win.