Photo by Ian Cox/Maryland Terrapins
With Maryland up by a run with one out and the bases loaded, the Terps had an opportunity to take a commanding lead. They did just that as sophomore Chris Hacopian blasted a grand slam over the left-field fence, giving Maryland its sixth run of the inning and a 6-1 lead.
Backed by a six-run fourth inning, Maryland baseball (1-0) cruised past UAB (0-1) in its first game of the season, 6-3 at Shipyard Park in South Carolina on Friday in the Swig and Swine College Classic.
“The wind was blowing in hard today, so I was just trying to stay flat with it and just barrel something … and I got the pitch to do it,” Chris Hacopian said.
Last season, Chris Hacopian was one of Maryland’s most potent hitters, sporting a .323 batting average — good for second on the team — and adding 15 home runs. Hacopian continued his dominance in the first game of his sophomore campaign, recording a perfect day at the plate that featured three walks and a grand slam.
On the mound for the Terps was redshirt sophomore Kyle McCoy. The start was his first since undergoing Tommy John surgery that sidelined him all of last season.
“I’ve been dreaming of this day for a long time now,” McCoy said. “Being able to just go out there and be able to play again, I’m so grateful … it’s all I can ask for.”
McCoy shined in his first game back, pounding the strike zone and producing four strikeouts through four innings and only one run allowed.
UAB’S lone run against McCoy came in the fourth inning as a base hit by junior Todd Clay brought in senior Logan Braunschweig to claim the game’s first run.
Despite the Terps having somebody left on base through each of the first three innings, the game remained scoreless. But that changed in the fourth inning.
Sophomore Jordan Crosland was the first Terp to score this year as he scored off an Elijah Lambros RBI. Then Alex Calarco added to it, scoring on an Eddie Hacopian RBI single. After a sophomore Brayden Martin’s second walk of the game loaded the bases, Chris Hacopian capped the inning with a grand slam.
“With conditions the way they are today, you’re going to need a big hit like that,” head coach Matt Swope said on the grand slam. “That’s why he’s in that spot, and it was huge for us.”
In the offseason, Eddie Hacopian — Chris Hacopian’s brother — was granted Maryland’s was granted the No. 3 jersey. The jersey represents the Terps’ three pillars: ownership, toughness and a growth mindset.
Eddie Hacopian showcased his leadership on the diamond by not only producing a solid performance at the plate but also by embracing a new position. The senior spent most of last season as Maryland’s first baseman but started Friday’s game at third base. Eddie Hacopian had no problem adjusting to his new position, making a spectacular diving play in the third inning to take away an extra-base hit.
After four strong innings from McCoy, the Terps turned to senior Ryan Van Buren in relief. Van Buren spent part of last season as a starter for Maryland, and he turned in a strong outing for the Terps. Van Buren pitched three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and one walk.
Following Van Buren’s strong outing, senior Andrew Johnson came into the game for the 8th inning but instantly struggled and gave up two runs after two walks and two singles, opening the doors for the Blazers.
After a mound visit with pitching coach Jimmy Jackson, Johnson stabilized and closed the inning with three straight outs, including a run down following a wild pitch.
Johnson finished the ninth inning comfortably for Maryland’s first win of the season.
Maryland will now prepare a doubleheader tomorrow. First pitching is scheduled for 11 a.m.
