
Maryland baseball defeated Towson 15-7 after a strong eighth inning where they scored 10 runs. Key performances included Brayden Martin's tying RBI and Paul Jones II's two-run double.
Maryland baseball entered the bottom of the eighth inning of its midweek bout against Towson down by one run.
That was when junior Brayden Martin notched his second RBI of the game, bringing in the tying run. Just two pitches later, sophomore Paul Jones II launched a two-run RBI double that came off the bat at 108 mph to extend Marylandâs lead.
After another batter was walked, Towson put in its second pitcher of the inning with the bases loaded and one out. Left-handed pitcher Ben Nugent proceeded to walk five Terps in a row â each brought in a run.
It was a late demolition for the Terps as they strolled to a 15-7 victory over Towson Tuesday at the Bob.
Right-handed pitcher Nic Morlang started the game for the Terps and recorded three total strikeouts. However, he allowed three hits, allowing the Tigers to take an early 2-0 lead. Morlang closed out the first inning by striking out Towsonâs best hitter, Brian Heckelman.
Martin got on base and stole second in the bottom of the first, but he was ultimately stranded after freshman Ty Kaunas popped out to third and Jones II grounded out to second.
After Marylandâs defense recorded its 33rd double play of the season in the top of the second inning, the Terps got an RBI from Aden Hill to halve the deficit, but two runners were left on base.
Towson extended its lead in the third inning after following up a single with three consecutive doubles, bringing in three more runs. Right-handed pitcher Andrew Koshy stepped up to the mound for Morlang with one on and no outs.
A throwing error by second baseman David Mendez brought in another run for the Tigers before the inning ended after a strikeout and two pop-ups.
Mendez quickly redeemed himself, though, launching a breaking ball on the 2-1 count over the left center wall. His sixth home run of the season brought in three runs for Maryland, making the score 6-4 Towson.
âIt was really helpful for me being able to pick up my guys,â Mendez said. âWe knew we werenât out of the game, so I knew that big swing was what we needed in that moment to take over the game.â
Marylandâs bullpen was able to hold the Tigers until the eighth inning, recording six more strikeouts and not walking a single batter.
In the bottom of the fourth, Martinâs sacrifice fly brought in another run for the Terps. Kaunas brought in the tying run with a solo home run shortly after.
Just one run was scored between the fifth and seventh innings â a sacrifice fly by Jones II in the bottom of the sixth gave Maryland a one-run lead.
In the top of the eighth, Towsonâs catcher Coy Allman reached first on a throwing error by right-handed pitcher Jake Yeager, who had relieved Koshy two innings previously. The error allowed a run to score, tying the game once again. Sophomore right-hander Ryan Bailey entered the game and kept the Tigers scoreless for the remainder of the contest.
âWeâre really going through it injury wise,â head coach Matt Swope said. âIt was really good for those guys to try and stabilize that after not the best start.â
Maryland didnât allow the tie to last for long, exploding for seven runs.
Towson went through three pitchers throughout the bottom of the eighth inning â Nugent was relieved by the Tigersâ third pitcher of the inning, who allowed a Martin sacrifice fly that brought in the Terpsâ eighth run of the inning before recording the last out.
The Tigers only recorded one strikeout while throwing 58 pitches and walking eight Terps â five while bases were loaded â to give Maryland an eight-run lead.
âIf youâre disciplined at the plate and you donât swing at balls, you will be in college baseball games,â Swope said. âItâs my number one thing weâve been good with all year.â
Bailey recorded one strikeout in the top of the ninth, while Martin and center fielder Nate Hawton-Henley claimed the remaining two to take the 15-7 victory.
1. Easy bases. Maryland recorded 15 RBIs on Tuesday â its third most this season and most since March 31 against Richmond. The Tigers out-hit the Terps 11-8, but it wasnât enough, as two of Marylandâs hits were home runs and the remaining six brought in a run. Tuesday also marked the most walks the Terps have been dealt (12) since the Richmond contest, which also ended with 12 walks.
2. Base robber. Martin stole two bases Tuesday, bringing him to a season total of 16 stolen bases in 17 attempts â the most in the Big Ten. The junior also ranks first on the team and the Big Ten with the most walks (36), while Maryland ranks first in the Big Ten with 233 walks.
3. Support in the stands. The Bob was packed Tuesday, with the football, softball, field hockey, gymnastic, cheer, and womenâs soccer teams coming out to show support. There were over 1300 fans in attendance for the midweek match.
âI love it. This is a lifestyle for me, itâs not a job,â Swope said. âI appreciate those guys coming out.â
The final score was Maryland 15, Towson 7.
Brayden Martin and Paul Jones II were standout players, with Martin contributing a tying RBI and Jones hitting a two-run double.
Maryland scored 10 runs in the eighth inning.
Maryland tied the game with an RBI and then scored multiple runs due to five consecutive walks issued by Towson's pitcher.

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