The Maryland Terps (9-3) completed the series sweep against the Bryant Bulldogs by defeating them 7-4 on Sunday afternoon. Head coach Matt Swope earned his first sweep as a head coach.
Freshman Joey McMannis took the mound for the Terps. He went 2 1/3 innings, allowing three hits, three earned runs, and recording four walks against two strikeouts. Meanwhile, Tyler Horvat earned the start for the Bulldogs, working four innings and registering five strikeouts while giving up three earned runs.
Chris Hacopian got the scoring started when he singled through the left side, plating his brother Eddie Hacopian. However, the Bulldogs quickly retook the league when Gavin Noriega homered to center field, extending their lead to 3-1 over the Terps. The Terps finally found some offensive success when Alex Calarco recorded his third home run of the season, and shortly after, Ben Nardi doubled down the right field line with two outs, allowing Russell to score.
The Terps continued to pounce on the Bulldogs when Chris Hacopian and Alex Calarco tallied multiple RBIs to give the Terps a 9-3 lead heading into the top of the seventh.
That’s where it went downhill for the Terps. Meade Johnson struggled in his bullpen appearance, allowing the Terps to score three runs. Head coach Matt Swope had Garret French relieved Johnson, but it wasn’t much better as French gave up a run of his own, bringing the Terp’s lead down to two runs.
Part of the reason the Terps came away with the victory was the strong defense when pitching with two outs. The Bulldogs were 0-7 and were 1-9 (.111) with runners in scoring position. Furthermore, Elijah Lambros now has a hit in 11 straight games.
The Terps weren’t done and put up two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth, with Lambros and Jacob Orr scoring on wild pitch. Alex Walsh shut the door for the Terps and earned the save.
Maryland is back in action tomorrow at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium when they host the Delaware Hens on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
