The Terps look to build on their Tuesday beatdown of Towson.
Coming off one of its best performances of the season, Maryland baseball looks to ride its momentum into a weekend series against Nebraska.
The Terps made quick work of in-state rival Towson Tuesday, cruising to an 11-1 mercy rule victory in seven innings. With the midweek win in hand, Maryland now focuses on conference play, where it has yet to win a three-game series.
Friday’s series opener is scheduled for 6 p.m., Saturday’s game will start at 2 p.m. and Sunday’s match will begin at 1 p.m. All games will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.
Nebraska Cornhuskers (19-21, 7-11 Big Ten)
Head coach Will Bolt is in his fifth season at the helm, and Nebraska has remained a consistent contender in the Big Ten under his leadership. The Cornhuskers have reached the 30-win mark in two of Bolt’s first four seasons.
Nebraska is currently tied for 12th in the conference standings and has won four of its last five games.
Hitters to watch
Cayden Brumbaugh, junior utility player, No. 0 — Brumbaugh has been the Cornhuskers’ most consistent bat this season, leading the team with a .308 average. He’s also stolen eight bases. Last year, he posted a .307 batting average with 33 runs and 42 hits, 11 doubles and 19 RBIs.
Dylan Carey, junior infield, No. 15 — Carey has been a steady presence, leading the team with 31 RBIs. He’s batting .279 with 11 doubles and six home runs. Last year, Carey hit .265 with four runs and five hits.
Max Buettenback, sophomore utility player, No. 11 — Buettenback is a power threat with seven home runs and six doubles in 88 at-bats. He’s driven in 22 runs, making him another key RBI producer despite limited starts.
Pitchers to watch
Ty Horn, sophomore, right-handed pitcher, No. 20 — Horn has been a consistent starter for Nebraska this season, making 11 appearances and 10 starts. He holds a 1-4 record and a 7.15 ERA in 45.1 innings pitched, though. Despite giving up 54 hits and 40 earned runs, Horn has shown his ability to miss bats, recording 46 strikeouts.
Caleb Clark, junior, left-handed pitcher, No. 24 — Clark has made 14 appearances out of the bullpen, posting a 5.11 ERA with an 0-1 record. In 12.1 innings, he’s given up 19 hits and nine earned runs while striking out 11 batters.
Gavin Blachowicz, freshman right-handed pitcher, No. 50 — Blachowicz has made 10 appearances this season, all out of the bullpen, with a 2-0 record and a 3.68 ERA in 14.2 innings pitched. He’s allowed 13 hits, six earned runs and 10 walks while striking out 14 batters.
Strength
Offense. Nebraska’s lineup features multiple power hitters and consistent run producers, with players like Carey and Buettenback driving in key RBIs.
Weakness
Pitching. The Cornhuskers have struggled on the mound, with high ERAs and command issues impacting both starters and relievers.
Three things to watch
1. Middle of the lineup production. Nebraska’s offense relies heavily on players in the middle of the lineup, like Carey, to drive in runs. How Maryland handles this group with runners on base could decide the series.
2. Pitching consistency. The Cornhuskers’ arms have been inconsistent this season, ranking 10th in the Big Ten with a 5.55 team ERA. Maryland’s offense has experienced highs and lows, but could find its footing this weekend.
3. Running out of time. Maryland only has four weekend series left in the seasons, two of which, including this one, will be played in College Park. This weekend provides one of Maryland’s best remaining opportunities to win a series.