The Terps welcomes the Blue Hens for their first midweek game.
After going 2-1 at the Swing and Swine College Classic, Maryland baseball returns to Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium for its 2025 season home opener against Delaware Tuesday.
The Terps wrapped up their three-game series in Charleston, South Carolina, with an impressive 19-1 victory over Mercyhurst, fueled by Alex Calarco’s two-home run, seven-RBI performance. The Terps’ bats were on fire, putting up 28 runs over the weekend, while the pitching staff posted a 2.08 ERA, allowing only six earned runs in 26 innings.
Brayden Martin and Eddie Hacopian consistently contributed at the plate, while starters Kyle McCoy, Joey McManni and Evan Smith combined for a 1.50 ERA across 12 innings.
Delaware Blue Hens (0-3, 0-0 Coastal Athletic Conference)
2024 Record: 31-26, 16-11 CAA
Head coach Greg Mamula has led the Blue Hens for three seasons now, guiding them to winning seasons in each of the first two.
Delaware dropped its first three games of the season at Florida Atlantic last weekend, struggling to generate offense. The Blue Hens will need to develop a more consistent approach at the plate for a chance at victory Tuesday.
Hitters to watch
Andrew Amato, senior outfielder, No. 17 — Amato recorded three hits, a run, a hit-by-pitch and a walk last weekend as the Blue Hens’ leadoff hitter. He hit for a .264 average and nine home runs last season.
Aaron Graeber, senior outfielder No. 22 — Graeber was Delaware’s top hitter last season, recording a .312 batting average, 50 runs and 14 home runs. Batting third, Graeber only tallied two hits against Florida Atlantic, though.
Brett Lesher, junior infield No. 5 — Lesher hit for a .290 average last season, while totaling seven home runs and 45 RBIs. Lesher had a tough weekend, though, recording just one hit and five strikeouts.
Pitchers to watch
Elias Conway, sophomore left-handed pitcher, No. 25 — Conway, with a 6.00 ERA, struck out five batters in his first outing, but allowed two earned runs. With three innings, Conway was Delaware’s top reliever over the weekend.
Carter Welch, senior, left-handed pitcher, No. 12 — Welch pitched just two innings last weekend, but did not surrender a run on two hits.
Strengths
Strikeout potential. Several pitchers, including Conway and Welch, have shown the ability to rack up strikeouts, which could be crucial in limiting Maryland’s bats. The Blue Hens totaled 20 strikeouts over the weekend.
Weakness
Offensive struggles. Delaware accumulated just five runs and 15 hits across its three games las weekend. Maryland’s pitching staff, which performed well last weekend, could provide more issues.
Three things to know
1. Home sweet home. After opening the season on the road, the Terps are set to play their first game of the season at home Tuesday.
2. New faces, big impact. Transfers, such as Hollis Porter and Liam Willson, and freshmen have played a major role in Maryland’s early success, including key plays against Mercyhurst in the Swing and Swine College Classic. As the season continues, they should only get more comfortable.
3. Maryland’s offensive momentum. The Terps scored 28 runs in their opening series, with Calarco andMartin leading the charge. If Maryland continues with their hot hitting, Delaware’s pitching staff may use more arms than expected.