Sunday’s victory against Michigan State (16-23, 7-7) was the Maryland Terrapins’ (19-25, 5-9) most important win of the season. Not only did the win earn the Terps their first series victory since April 1, but it also allowed them to gain ground in the Big Ten.
However, that game will mean nothing if Maryland cannot follow it with a few more wins in Lincoln this weekend against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (20-22, 4-9).
The Terps have a small margin for error in their final nine Big Ten games of the season. Currently just outside the bubble for the conference tournament, Maryland needs to win a majority of its remaining 9 conference games in order to push itself into any type of postseason play.
Though this means that Tuesday’s loss to West Virginia does not have an impact on the rest of the season, the game did reveal an area that the Terps will need to improve on heading into the weekend.
An underlying problem for the team all season has been defensive mishaps. Against the Mountaineers, three errors were made in the first inning, resulting in three unearned runs. A slip up on a routine play could be the difference between a win and a loss for the Terps in the final few weeks.
If Maryland can resolve the defensive problems, they could be in a good position to make a late run, as the pitching staff and lineup are beginning to click at the right time.
Juniors Nick Dunn (.341 average) and Marty Costes (.225), two bats that have the potential to do large amounts of damage to opposing pitching staffs, both came alive against the Spartans. Dunn launched two home runs during Saturday’s win, while Costes had the go-ahead grand slam on Sunday. Kevin Biondic (.289) also had a strong series for the Terps.
Mark DiLuia (1-4, 5.68 ERA), Hunter Parsons (4-2, 3.01 ERA) and Tyler Blohm (5-2, 4.10 ERA) all put up solid starts last weekend, and with Taylor Bloom (2-6, 5.34 ERA) slowly working his way back into the rotation, the Maryland starting pitching staff is regaining some depth. The bullpen is also coming off a strong performance, tossing a combined six-plus shutout innings on Tuesday against West Virginia.
For Nebraska, the three-game series is incredibly important as well. The Cornhuskers sit in the same position as the Terps, needing Big Ten wins to continue their season. Senior Luis Alvarado (3-5, 3.19 ERA), junior Matt Waldron (5-2, 3.88) and senior Matt Warren (3-3, 6.18) will likely be the three starters for Nebraska. Though, junior Nate Fisher (1-5, 6.86 ERA) could see extended work this weekend as well.
Scott Schreiber is the bat to watch, as he currently holds a .392 average and leads the team with 16 long balls. Jesse Wilkening will also add some pop for the Cornhuskers, with a .348 average and a team-leading 46 RBIs.
First pitch on Friday is at 7:35 p.m.
- Maryland volleyball swept by Indiana in second game of weekend homestand - October 7, 2023
- No. 8 Maryland field hockey falls to No. 6 Rutgers in penalty shootout, 3-2 - September 28, 2023
- Maryland women’s soccer stymied by No. 6 Penn State, 4-0 - September 15, 2023
