Terps Fall Short Against Scarlet Knights in Series Opener, 6-4
COLLEGE PARK, MD – The Maryland Terps faced a challenging start to the final series against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, suffering a 6-4 defeat at Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium on Thursday evening. With this loss, the Terps’ overall record now stands at 26-28, with a Big Ten conference record of 11-17.
Quick Recap of the Game
The excitement kicked off early when Eddie Hacopian put the Terps on the board first with an RBI single in the bottom of the first inning. However, the Scarlet Knights quickly quashed that momentum, striking back in the second inning with a commanding four-run rally, which included a two-run homer and two crucial RBI singles.
Despite the adversity, the Terps didn’t back down. In the fifth inning, Chris Hacopian blasted a solo home run, with Jacob Orr also contributing an RBI single, narrowing the gap to 4-3. But the Scarlet Knights responded with runs in both the sixth and seventh innings, cementing their lead. A late solo homer by Aden Hill helped reduce the deficit to two runs, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Standout Performers
Eddie Hacopian: Milestone Hit
Eddie Hacopian continued to shine with a memorable performance, going 3-for-4 at the plate. His home run marked his 13th of the season and the 28th of his career, earning him his 100th career RBI in just two seasons as a Terp. His streak has reached 10 consecutive games with at least one hit, six of which were multi-hit games.
“Mr. 100!!” tweeted Maryland Baseball, celebrating Hacopian’s milestone.
Chris Hacopian’s Contribution
Chris Hacopian also made headlines, hitting his 28th career home run. His impressive stats include reaching 100 career RBIs, making him a crucial asset for the Terps as they advance in their season.
Pitching Highlights
On the mound, Brayden Ryan started strong, but it was Logan Hastings who truly made his mark. He pitched five innings, allowing only two runs on three hits while striking out two batters. Andrew Johnson closed out the game with two innings, striking out three while holding the Scarlet Knights scoreless.
Breaking Down The Action
The game was filled with pivotal moments that defined its outcome:
- First Inning: Hacopian’s single puts the Terps up 1-0.
- Second Inning: Rutgers responds with a four-run explosion, taking a 4-1 lead.
- Fifth Inning: Maryland fights back, thanks to Hacopian’s homer and Orr’s single, reducing the score to 4-3.
- Sixth and Seventh Innings: Rutgers adds two more runs, extending their advantage.
- Eighth Inning: Hill’s solo shot brings the score to 6-4.
Historic Context
This season, the Terps have hit a collective 88 home runs, tying for the fourth-most in program history. This remarkable statistic pairs with Hacopian’s impressive career achievements, solidifying his legacy within Maryland baseball.
Looking Ahead
The Terps are poised to bounce back in game two against Rutgers, scheduled for 6 p.m. tomorrow. Fans can catch the action on Big Ten Plus and through the Maryland Baseball Network. Will Maryland rise to the challenge and even the series? Stay tuned!
Whether you bleed red and gold or are a casual observer, the Terps continue to provide thrilling moments on the diamond. Don’t miss out on the upcoming games and performance updates as Maryland vies for victory and glory!
