The Terps have now claimed two consecutive weekend series.
With a three-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning, Maryland baseball was in trouble.
Cristofer Cespedes had seen the Terps through the end of the eighth inning, but needing just three more outs to secure the win, his infield faltered. Two errors and a walk loaded the bases for Minnesota with just one out, and the Gophers were threatening. But Cespedes forced a flyout and a fielder’s choice, ending the game.
In a back-and-forth battle, Maryland clawed its way to an 8-5 win over Minnesota Saturday afternoon. Late offensive surges and clutch pitching in Minneapolis proved to be key for the Terps.
Minnesota came out swinging in the bottom of the first inning. After a scoreless top half by Maryland, the Gophers capitalized on a series of errors and timely hits. With two outs and runners on base, Drew Berkland singled to score Josh Fitzgerald. Shortly after, Jake Perry singled to score Berkland, helping Minnesota jump out to an early 2-0 lead.
The Terps wasted no time responding. In the top of the second inning, Maryland strung together four hits. RBI singles from Paul Jones II, Brayden Martin, Chris Hacopian and Hollis Porter put the Terps right back in front, with the lead 4-2. Minnesota couldn’t muster a response in their half, despite a walk from Jameson Martin, as a lineout double play ended the frame.
Minnesota attempted to come back in the bottom of the third inning after singles from Brayden Hellum and Berkland, but Perry grounded out to end the threat. Maryland threatened again in the top of the inning but left two stranded.
The game turned again in the fourth inning when Minnesota capitalized on two Maryland errors. With two runners on, a throwing error from Maryland’s third baseman Brayden Martin allowed two Gophers to cross home plate. Earlier in the frame, a fielder’s choice bunt scored another Gopher, meaning Minnesota had taken a 5-4 edge.
Alex Calarco answered for Maryland in the fifth inning, blasting a solo home run to pull the Terps even at 5-5. Minnesota went down in order in the bottom of the half, struggling to find a response.
The game’s turning point came in the sixth inning. Chris Hacopian launched a solo homer to left field, breaking the tie and giving Maryland a 6-5 lead. Minnesota couldn’t generate offense in their half of the inning with Easton Richter, Martin and Larson retiring in order.
Minnesota attempted to rally in the seventh inning. Weber Neels singled with two outs, but Berkland was called out for interference after grounding to first base, abruptly ending the inning and stranding the potential tying run.
Maryland exploded with control in the top of the ninth inning. First, Aden Hill delivered a solo homer. Then, Parker Corbin came through with a clutch RBI single up the middle to score Brayden Martin, giving the Terps an 8-5 edge. Maryland loaded the bases but couldn’t add any more runs as Jacob Orr grounded out to end the frame.
Minnesota couldn’t manage any runs or hits in the ninth inning — it was individual Maryland errors that extended the inning. Despite the dramatic threat, the Terps secured the victory, marking their second series win of the season in two weekends.
Three things to know
1. Maryland’s four-run second inning set set the tone. The Terps responded to Minnesota’s early success at the plate, capitalizing on timely hits. That early surge gave the Terps the momentum and breathing room they needed.
2. Defensive mistakes nearly cost the Terps. Despite the win, Maryland’s defense made things dicey in the ninth inning. Two costly errors — Maryland’s fourth and fifth of the game — loaded the bases for Minnesota, but Cespedes stayed composed and escaped the jam.
3. Weekend winners once again. After not winning any of their first nine weekend series, the Terps have rattled off two victories in a row. Saturday’s result leaves Maryland 25-27 overall and two games behind the 12th spot in the Big Ten.