The Terps surrendered six runs in the sixth inning.
Maryland baseball struggled to contain Northwestern’s explosive offensive Saturday. The Wildcats capitalized on early opportunities, plating seven runs in the two first innings to put the game well out of reach.
In a game filled with offensive firepower, Maryland suffered a crushing 18-8 loss to Northwestern at Bob ‘Turtle’ Smith Stadium.
The Wildcats opened the floodgates from the beginning, scoring three runs in the first inning against Maryland starter Logan Hastings. Northwestern loaded the bases with no outs after a leadoff double and back-to-back walks. Jackson Freeman put Northwestern on the board first with an RBI double, followed by a sacrifice fly from Trent Liolios and a run-scoring groundout by Jack Counsell to give the Wildcats a 3-0 lead.
Maryland responded in the bottom half of the inning, cutting the deficit to one. The Terps capitalized on a Northwestern error and timely hitting as Alex Calarco reached on a fielder’s choice, allowing Brayden Martin to score. Hollis Porter struck an RBI double to center field, bringing home Eddie Hacopian and making the score 3-2.
However, Maryland’s pitching mishaps continued in the second inning. After a walk and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, Northwestern’s Jackson Freeman crushed a grand slam over the right-field wall, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 7-2. The Terps turned to reliever Logan Koester to stop the bleeding, but the Wildcats continued to apply pressure, tacking on another run to make it an 8-2 ballgame.
Northwestern continued its offensive attack in the third inning. With a runner on base, Ryan Kucherak launched a two-run homer to right-center field. This was followed by Freeman’s three-run RBI — his seventh of the day — to push the lead to 12-2.
Despite facing a double-digit deficit, Maryland showed resilience at the plate. The Terps chipped away in the bottom of the third inning, scoring three runs. Porter delivered a spark, ripping an RBI double down the right field line.
An RBI groundout from Aiden Hill allowed Chris Hacopian to add another, and a Northwestern error allowed Porter to score, making the score 12-5.
Maryland’s pitching finally settled in after the rough start, keeping Northwestern scoreless through the next few innings. Relievers Devin Milberg and Ryan Van Buren combined for four scoreless innings, giving the Terps a chance to claw their way back.
In the fourth inning, Maryland continued to fight. Eddie and Chris Hacopian reached base to set up another opportunity, and Porter came through again with a two-run single to cut the deficit to 12-7. However, a double play ended the threat and the inning for Maryland.
Despite multiple scoring opportunities in the fifth inning, Maryland stranded runners and could not manufacture a comeback.
Northwestern’s offensive surge came in the bottom of the sixth inning and began with a two-run homer by Preston Knott, bringing in Jack Lausch and Bennett Markinson. Later in the inning, Liolios launched a three-run homer to right field, driving in Kucherak and Owen McElfatrick. The Wildcats totaled six runs on five hits in the frame, extending their lead to 18-7.
Maryland attempted to respond in the bottom half of the inning. After a pitch hit Calarco, Jacob Orr drove him in with a single up the middle. Aiden Hill followed with a double to right center, advancing Orr to third. However, the Terps left two runners stranded as EJ Hankerson grounded out to third base, ending the inning with only one run.
Despite entering the game with momentum from their previous game, the Terps struggled to counter Northwestern’s aggressive offense. Maryland fell behind early and had difficulty responding against Northwestern’s pitching staff.
Hollis Porter contributed four RBIs for the Terps, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Wildcats’ relentless attack.
Maryland will look to bounce back in Sunday’s series finale, hoping to clean up its pitching and capitalize on scoring opportunities to avoid a series sweep.
Three things to know
1. Maryland’s offensive struggles continue. The Terps have struggled to generate consistent offense in recent games, which was shown in their inability to capitalize on late-game opportunities against Northwestern.
2. Northwestern’s late surge. The Wildcats’ strong performance in the sixth inning sealed their victory.
3. Looking ahead. With the loss, Maryland will look to regroup quickly as it prepares for its next matchup, aiming to bounce back and correct its recent shortcomings.