Credit to: iuhoosiers.com
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland was able to salvage the series finale against the Indiana Baseball team (18-15, 3-3 B1G), winning 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth on a bases-loaded single from shortstop Kevin Keister. IU intentionally walked Eddie Hacopian before striking out Sam Hojnar. Even with junior Brandon Burckel inserted into the game to become a fifth infielder, the Terrapins were able to find a hole in the infield for the walk-off victory.
The Hoosiers still won the series, the first time a Big Ten opponent has taken at least two of three from Maryland since 2019 (Michigan). IU’s pitching staff was stellar all weekend, holding the hosts to six-or-fewer runs in all three games. IU’s starters only allowed three earned runs in 15 innings of work.
After an offensive outburst in the first two games, the Hoosiers mustered just two hits. Sophomore outfielder Devin Taylor had a solo home run in the fourth and redshirt junior catcher Jake Stadler had a two-run single in the sixth but the rest of the lineup was held hitless.
A 3-1 week, featuring a win over No. 17 Indiana State and a series victory over Maryland, was just what IU needed as it gets deeper into the second half of the season. Four home games await IU this week at Bart Kaufman Field with Ball State visiting Tuesday and Penn State coming for a three-game set beginning Friday.
https://static.iuhoosiers.com/custompages/stats/bb/2024/IU33.pdf
Scoring Recap
Bottom Third
Maryland struck first in the third. A two-out line drive went through the glove of the charging right fielder, Nick Mitchell, allowing the two runners on base to score on the error.
Maryland 2, Indiana 0
Top Fourth
Devin Taylor sent a solo home run over the wall in center field.
Maryland 2, Indiana 1
Top Sixth
The Hoosiers hung four in the fifth on an error and some timely hitting. Tyler Cerny hit a slow chopper to the pitcher, Joey McMannis, who threw the ball away from his first baseman. Taylor and Carter Mathison both came around to score. With two more runners on, Jake Stadler singled up the middle to push the lead to five.
Indiana 5, Maryland 2
Bottom Sixth
Maryland responded right back with three runs of its own. Jacob Orr hit a hard ball at the shortstop, Tyler Cerny, who gloved it but had no play. Brayden Martin walked with the bases loaded and Chris Hacopian was hit with a 2-2 pitch with the bases juiced as the Terrapins tied the game. IU should’ve been out of the inning but a fly ball, lost in the sun, fell for a double earlier in the frame.
Indiana 5, Maryland 5
Bottom Ninth
The Terrapins, who’ve been great with their backs against the wall this year, walked off the Hoosiers in IU’s first one-run game of the year. A hit-by-pitch, double and intentional walk loaded the bases with no outs. Brayden Risedorph got the cleanup hitter to strike out but Kevin Keister laced a ball past the diving Cerny to win the game.
Maryland 6, Indiana 5
Top Hoosier Performers
#5 Taylor, Devin
2-3, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 HR, 1 BB
#24 Buhr, Drew
2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K
Notes to Know
• Devin Taylor hit his seventh home run of the season, matching Carter Mathison for the team lead this year. His 23 home runs in his first two seasons at IU are the most since Mathison’s 29 (2022-23).
• IU’s pitching staff held Maryland to six-or-fewer runs, Jeff Mercer‘s preferred benchmark, all weekend long. It’s three starters combined for 15 innings pitched and just three earned runs allowed.
• The Hoosiers were the first team since Michigan (2019) to win a Big Ten series in College Park. IU moves to 3-3 in the Big Ten with a home series against Penn State (4-5) on deck.
Up Next
IU returns home for its next five games, beginning with a Tuesday matchup against Ball State. The Hoosiers will also welcome Penn State for a weekend series. All games will be streamed on BTN+ or can be heard on the Indiana Sports Radio Network via IUHoosiers.com/Audio.
