Photo courtesy of Ian Cox/Maryland Terrapins
It was a disappointing scene in the bleachers as Rutgers recorded their final out. The sullen faces and defeated groans made it clear that the fans knew exactly what the latest loss for the Terps meant: the season was over.
It’s official: there will be no postseason for Maryland. With their 9-4 loss Friday night against Rutgers (28-26, 15-14 Big 10), the Terps (26-29, 11-18 Big 10) have been mathematically eliminated from the Big 10 Tournament.
The Terps started their losing effort against the Scarlet Knights with a lead. With catcher Alex Calarco on first base, Paul Jones II ripped a line drive over the right field wall, buzzing by the foul pole on its way out and giving Maryland a 2-0 lead.
Jones II finishes the season as one of Maryland’s most prolific utility bench hitters, ending with a .333 average in 17 games. He accounted for three of the four runs for Maryland Friday night with a home run and an RBI groundout.
Head coach Matt Swope indicated that Jones II, who is finishing his freshman year this year, may have an expanded role in the lineup next season.
“The guys that have earned it will continue to play,” Swope said. “I think he’s got a bright future, and he’s a great kid. So there will be some changes, but he’s done a good job taking advantage of opportunities when he’s gotten them.”
Kyle McCoy got the start for the Terps, and the Scarlet Knights had his number all night. McCoy immediately gave up a two-run single following Jones II’s home run to tie the game 2-2, and one inning later, he gave up four runs on five hits, a deficit from which Maryland would never recover.
It was a rare poor performance from McCoy, who, even after Friday night, still holds the lowest ERA among active Terps pitchers at 3.32. But despite a rough finish, it was overall a successful season for McCoy, who is eligible for the MLB Draft this July.
“I hope this is his last game for his sake, because I think he is ready for professional baseball,” Swope said. “He’s a really competitive S.O.B.”
In order for the Terps to advance to the Big 10 Tournament, the Terps needed Michigan State to beat Oregon, and they needed Northwestern to lose out for their final two games. But because the Terps were unable to win out in their season, Northwestern clinched the better conference record and the final spot in the tournament.
The Terps will host Rutgers Saturday at 1:00 pm for their final game of the season.
