By Chris Rogers

After falling to (7) Michigan State Friday morning, the Terps have a quick turnaround, as they face off against (3) Indiana in the loser’s bracket Friday at 6 p.m. EST. It’s do-or-die for Maryland – if they lose, they’re out of the tournament.

The Terps (29-26, 13-12 Big Ten) defeated the Hoosiers Wednesday, 5-3, in the first game of the tournament, sending them to the loser’s bracket. Indiana (32-23, 15-9 Big Ten) defeated (2) Nebraska Thursday, however, to stay alive, and the Terps’ morning loss set up a rematch of Game 1.

In Wednesday’s matchup, Mike Shawaryn struck out a career-high 16 in his second straight complete game. Freshmen Nick Dunn and Marty Costes led the way at the plate, picking up three hits apiece, and Dunn drove in three of the Terps’ five runs.

The winner of Friday night’s game will advance to play the winner of Friday afternoon’s Iowa-Ohio State matchup, while the loser will head home.

Starting Pitching Matchup
6 p.m. EST

vs.

So. RHP Brian Shaffer (7-3, 2.85 ERA) vs. Jr. RHP Evan Bell (2-4, 3.28 ERA)

Brian Shaffer has been a solid fixture in the Maryland rotation all season, ranking second on the team with a 2.85 ERA, while holding opponents to a .220 batting average. Last time out, against Michigan State Saturday, he allowed four runs over eight innings in the Terps’ 6-4 victory. Despite the 2-4 record, Evan Bell has pitched well for the Hoosiers, as he enters play with a respectable 3.28 ERA. The 6’8 righty took the loss his last time out, against Nebraska last weekend, surrendering three runs (two earned) over five frames.