In what seemed like a pitcher’s duel after the first half of the game, Maryland’s offense abruptly ended the trend in the fifth inning, resulting in a 4-2 win for the Terps.

Louisiana ace Gunner Leger, an All-American, held the Terps to two hits through four innings, racking up six strikeouts in the process. A single into left field by Chris Alleyne started a hit parade for Maryland in the top of the fifth, however. Maryland’s center fielder reached base in all four of his at-bats in the game.

Right fielder Randy Bednar then shot a ground-rule double to dead center to drive in Maryland’s first run of the night. In a long at-bat, the sophomore fouled off numerous pitches in order to get one he liked, and he delivered in a big way. Bednar now has a hit in all eight games played this season, the only Terp with that accolade.

“He absolutely hit a missile to center.” head coach Rob Vaughn said. “That really got us breathing.”

Taylor Wright and Justin Vought followed with an RBI a piece to increase Maryland’s lead to 3-1. This offensive explosion ended Leger’s night early after a dominant start.

The Terps added another insurance run in the next inning on Louisiana’s third error of the night. Boos from the crowd roared in after the throw got past the first baseman Lahare.

On the other side of the ball, Maryland ace Hunter Parsons continued to control the ball against the Ragin’ Cajuns. In his last start against Maine, the righty went eight scoreless innings, and showed no signs of slowing down in Louisiana. In seven innings of work, Parsons struck out six and let up five hits and a run. The senior won the pitching battle on Friday night, outlasting his counterpart by a large margin.

“We grow everyday.” Parsons said. “If you only grow on game days then there’s gonna be parts that you’re missing, but this teams goes out to practice and we go to compete everyday.”

Nick Turnbull, Maryland’s go to reliever this season, came in to stop the bleeding on a potential comeback in the eighth. With the bases loaded, the junior forced a pop-up to shallow center to end the inning.

John Murphy came in for the ninth and fanned three batters to earn his fourth save of the year. This matches his total from last season in only his fifth appearance of his 2019 campaign.

“The strength of our bullpen is the army of guys,” Vaughn said.

The long outing by Parsons saves the bullpen arms for the Terps as they compete in a double-header against Louisiana on Saturday. The diverse staff proves that Maryland can win no matter who takes the mound. In the last win, nine arms beat VCU in what was a bullpen heavy night.

“It’s huge getting Hunter deep into the game.” Vaughn said. “I told Glock and I told Vail they got to be ready because I’m going to them in the exact same situation tomorrow.”

With the victory, the Terps are now winners of six straight. In a quick turnaround, the Terps face the Ragin’ Cajuns twice on Saturday, the first of which begins at 2 p.m.