### **Rutgers Baseball Readies for Season Finale in Maryland**
**COLLEGE PARK, Md.** – As the curtain draws on the regular season, Rutgers baseball heads to Maryland for a pivotal **three-game series** at the iconic Bob Smith Stadium. This matchup is more than just another set of games; it represents a critical juncture for the Scarlet Knights (26-26, 13-14), who are striving to cement their place in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.
#### **Playoff Hopes on the Line**
With only a few games left in the season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Rutgers currently sits tied for ninth place, with only the top 12 teams qualifying for the coveted postseason. Their opponents, the **Maryland Terrapins** (26-27, 11-16), are also in pursuit of a playoff berth, albeit from a precarious 14th position. How will both teams respond to the pressure? Fans are eager to find out!
#### **Watch Live!**
All eyes will be on this exciting series, as every match will be streamed live on **Big Ten Plus**. For those looking to get real-time updates, follow the Scarlet Knights on **X** [@RutgersBaseball](http://twitter.com/RutgersBaseball) or check out the live stats [here](https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?gid=rutu&sport=bsgame&gender=M).
### **A Closer Look at the Series History**
Rutgers carries a **9-20 all-time record** against the Terrapins, including a rather disappointing **7-15** within the Big Ten. Last season, Maryland claimed two out of three games against the Scarlet Knights at Bainton Field, and in their last meeting in College Park earlier this season, they again took two out of three. Will Rutgers turn the tide this time around?
### **2025 Scarlet Knights: A Season of Transition**
This year’s squad presents a mix of experience and fresh talent:
– **Roster Overview**: The team features **38 players**, consisting of 11 returners and 27 newcomers.
– **Freshman Focus**: Among the new faces, **13 are true freshmen**, 12 are four-year transfers, and 2 hail from junior colleges.
– **Coach Steve Owens** enters his sixth season, having led RU to three consecutive winning records.
– Joining the coaching ranks is **Mike McRae**, who has a proven track record with three straight winning seasons at William & Mary.
### **Key Players to Watch**
#### **Mack’s Emergence as a Rising Star**
Among the standout players, true freshman **[Landon Mack](https://scarletknights.com/sports/baseball/roster/landon-mack/14889)** has taken center stage. Recently honored as a **Second Team Freshman All-American** by Perfect Game, he also earned accolades as the Big Ten Pitcher and Freshman of the Week. Leading all Big Ten freshmen with a **4.30 ERA**, Mack’s remarkable **17 consecutive scoreless innings** from the Iowa to Washington series further cements his reputation as one to watch.
#### **Cohen’s Consistent Power**
On the other hand, **[Trevor Cohen](https://scarletknights.com/sports/baseball/roster/trevor-cohen/14854)** has provided a reliable force at the plate, leading the Big Ten with **80 hits overall** and a staggering **49 hits** in conference play. His .454 average in Big Ten games is a staggering 85 points above the next closest competitor. Recently, he collected his **200th hit** against Illinois, making him an invaluable asset as the season wraps up.
#### **Hyde: The Offense-Boosting Leadoff Hitter**
The offensive surge of Rutgers can be attributed to **[Brennan Hyde](https://scarletknights.com/sports/baseball/roster/brennan-hyde/14887)**, who has thrived since the tactical switch to the leadoff spot. In his first **10 games** there, Hyde notched hits in every game while scoring runs in nine, amassing a remarkable batting average of **.385** with three home runs. The team’s collective performance during this stretch was nothing short of impressive, boasting a .331 team average with an eye-popping **.915 OPS**.
### **Young Guns Leading the Charge**
With **59.6% of innings** pitched this season coming from freshmen, the Scarlet Knights are banking on their young guns to carry the team. Particularly noteworthy are **[Mack](https://scarletknights.com/sports/baseball/roster/landon-mack/14889)** (69.0 IP) and **[Justin Shadek](https://scarletknights.com/sports/baseball/roster/justin-shadek/14863)** (53.0 IP), both showcasing their potential on the mound.
### **Striking Out the Competition**
In striking contrast, Rutgers boasts the fewest strikeouts (298) in the Big Ten this season—a telling stat that reflects their discipline at the plate. With key performers like **Cohen** and **[JT Thompson](https://scarletknights.com/sports/baseball/roster/jt-thompson/14898)** among the top players in strikeout percentage, the Scarlet Knights have maintained their reputation as tough outs against opposing pitchers.
### **Active Hitting Streaks**
As the season nears its end, several players are eyeing personal milestones:
– **Cohen and [Ty Doucette](https://scarletknights.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-doucette/14855)** are both riding **seven-game hitting streaks**.
– Cohen remains a stalwart, having hit in **18 straight Big Ten games**, showcasing his crucial role in the team’s success.
### **New Faces, New Opportunities**
In total, **27 players** have made their Rutgers debuts this season, indicating a strong influx of talent and adaptability within the squad. Among the freshmen making names for themselves are **[Charles Batista](https://scarletknights.com/sports/baseball/roster/charles-batista/14872)** and **[Yomar Carreras](https://scarletknights.com/sports/baseball/roster/yomar-carreras/14876)**.
#### **Join the Baseball Community**
Stay connected and follow Rutgers baseball on social media for all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes action:
**[Twitter](http://twitter.com/RutgersBaseball)** | **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/rutgersbaseball/)** | **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BaseballRU)**
