Entering its last series of the 2019 season, Maryland (25-27, 9-12) sits in 10th in the Big Ten standings. But, the Terps aren’t out of playoff contention quite yet. Though there are many other factors to account for, as long as Maryland isn’t swept by Iowa in its last series, the Terps stands a chance at making their conference tournament.
The last time the Terps faced the Hawkeyes was in the first round of the 2017 Big Ten Tournament, when Iowa won 9-8 and went on to win the tournament title.
Now, Maryland enters the series coming off a 6-5 win on Tuesday over James Madison, in the Terps’ last midweek matchup. In the past two weeks, the Terps are 2-5 including 1-5 in the Big Ten.
For the Terps, the only player hitting over .300 is sophomore Randy Bednar (.301). Bednar enters the weekend tied with senior Taylor Wright for most doubles in the Big Ten (19) and with the third-most RBIs in the conference (49). Bednar is also tied with Maxwell Costes for the most home runs of the Maryland squad (10).
Wright, the Terps third baseman, is on the cusp of .300, batting .284, just above shortstop AJ Lee (.280). Lee, whose three-hit game against James Madison on Tuesday broke his six-game hitless streak, leads the team in on-base percentage (.418).
Expect to see freshman left-hander Andrew Vail (2.45 ERA) out of the bullpen at least once during the series. The southpaw has been a go-to for head coach Rob Vaughn, after Vail has proven to be solid out of the bullpen, particularly when thrown into tough situations.
Closer John Murphy enters the weekend with 10 saves, in a three-way tie for third-most saves in the Big Ten. Murphy leads the Terps’ bullpen with 45 strikeouts in 27.2 innings pitched, the third-most Ks among the entire Maryland pitching staff.
Iowa Hawkeyes (30-19, 12-9 Big Ten)
Last Season
Iowa finished last season with a 33-20 overall record and a 13-9 conference record, before being knocked out of the Big Ten Tournament with consecutive losses to Michigan and Ohio State.
This season
Now, the Hawkeyes eye another postseason berth, as Iowa currently sits sixth in the Big Ten standings. The Hawkeyes haven’t yet clinched a spot in the tournament, but could do so this weekend against the Terps.
Hitters to watch
Iowa enters the series with four batters hitting over .300, led by junior Austin Martin (.311) and sophomore Izaya Fullard (.310). Martin leads the Hawkeyes with 56 hits, while Fullard is tied for the second-most home runs on the team (5).
Redshirt-senior Chris Whelan, batting .301, leads Iowa with a .455 on-base percentage.
Relievers to watch
Expect an appearance from right-hander Grant Leonard, Iowa’s closer. The junior enters the weekend with a 1.82 ERA in 29.2 innings pitched, sporting 13 saves and 30 strikeouts.
Junior Trace Hoffman will also likely make an appearance out of the bullpen for the Hawkeyes. The right-hander enters the series with a 5.88 ERA in 33.2 innings pitched, with 26 strikeouts.
Probable Starting Pitching Matchup
Thursday, 6:30 p.m. ET
Sr. RHP Hunter Parsons (9-3, 3.74 ERA) v. Sr. RHP Cole McDonald (5-3, 3.55 ERA)
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In his last regular season start for the Terps, Parsons will look for this 10th win of the season. Maryland’s ace proved his dominance in 2018 wasn’t a fluke, leading the weekend rotation and striking out 70 in 89 innings of work.
For Iowa, McDonald threw the Hawkeyes’ only win last weekend against Michigan State. With 70 strikeouts in 76 innings pitched, McDonald is evenly matched with Parsons, leaving the potential for a pitchers’ duel Thursday.
Probable Starting Pitching Matchup
Friday, 6:30 p.m. ET
Jr. RHP Zach Thompson (2-6, 5.28 ERA) v. So. LHP Cam Baumann (4-3, 4.87)
Thompson enters the series leading the Maryland pitching staff in hit batters, with 18. His first season pitching for the Terps, Thompson proved he could hold his own at the DI level, striking out 56 in his 76.2 innings pitched.
Baumann, a two-way player for the Hawkeyes, went only 3.1 innings against Michigan State last Saturday. This week, he enters the series against the Terps sporting 47 strikeouts in 57.1 innings pitched.
Probable Starting Pitching Matchup
Saturday, 2:00 p.m. ET
LHP Tyler Blohm (1-1, 3.27 ERA) v. Jr. RHP Grant Judkins (4-6, 2.18)
Last weekend against Minnesota, Blohm earned his fourth start of the season, and first weekend start since he pitched in the Terps’ opening weekend against VCU. The southpaw enters the weekend with 13 strikeouts in 11 innings pitched.
The third arm in the Hawkeyes’ rotation, Judkins enters the series off a solid outing against Michigan State last weekend, showing six innings and giving up one run on five hits while striking out seven. The right has 62 strikeouts in his 78.1 innings of work.
Maryland Baseball Network 