The Terps are roaring in recent games, and it’s in large part due to the pitching. Over the course of a three-game sweep of Bryant last weekend and a 3-2 win over Delaware Tuesday, Maryland has a team ERA of 3.00. Kenny Lippman and Logan Koester have looked the part of formidable Friday and Saturday starters, and consistency from a number of bullpen arms has been an added bonus. 

At 10-3, Maryland sits second in the Big Ten with an opportunity to build on its early season success this weekend with a road series against the reigning Conference USA Champions, Charlotte (7-6).  

These teams have faced off twice, with both matchups occurring during the 2021 NCAA Tournament. The 49ers won the first matchup 13-10 on June 4, but the Terps eliminated them two days later with a 2-1 walk-off victory.

First pitch for the series will be Friday at 6 p.m. Saturday’s game will begin at 2 p.m. and Sunday’s series finale will start at 1 p.m. All games will be streamed on ESPN+. 

Last Season

Charlotte booked its spot in the NCAA Tournament when it surprisingly upset top-seeded Dallas Baptist in the Conference USA Tournament Championship Game. The 49ers were the third-seed in the Clemson Regional, where it eliminated the hosting Tigers, who were ranked third in the nation according to D1Baseball, before falling to a talented Tennessee team in the Regional Final. 

The 49ers finished the season with a record of 36-28 with a pair of notable wins over a South Carolina squad consistently ranked in the top-10 throughout the season, as well as one over Coastal Carolina, who was ranked seventh at the time. 

This Season

The success of last season hasn’t exactly carried over to this campaign thus far for the 49ers. 

Charlotte sits at 7-6, but has yet to win a weekend series. The 49ers opened up their season losing two-of-three to Virginia Tech before splitting a four-game set. against West Virginia from Feb. 23-25. After winning the series opener, Old Dominion dropped the final two games of their series against Old Dominion last weekend.

Charlotte’s weekend struggles have been salvaged by strong performances in midweek games. The 49ers are 3-0 in midweek matchups, headlined by a 24-1 drubbing of Davidson on Feb. 20. On Tuesday, Charlotte defeated Western Carolina 5-2, a game where they held the Catamounts scoreless for the final eight innings. 

Hitters to Watch 

The most dangerous pieces of Charlotte’s lineup this season have been a pair of transfers. 

Thad Ector, a junior outfielder who transferred to Charlotte from UCF, has a .378 batting average and an on-base percentage of .500 this season. He only has two extra-base hits, but his ability to get on the base path should be a nuisance for the Terps. Noah Furcht, a transfer from Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, has adjusted well to the step up in competition. He has started every game for the 49ers with an on-base percentage of .473 and is second on the team in RBIs. 

Brandon Stahlman, a 6-foot-4, 210 pound infielder is a crucial piece for the 49ers. The senior was second on the team last season in RBIs and earned a spot in the Conference USA All-Tournament Team, where he hit a home run in the championship game. Stahlman leads the team with 11 RBIs this season.

Pitchers to Watch 

Tony Rossi has been one of the nation’s most impressive closers this season. In five appearances, the redshirt senior has only allowed two hits and has yet to yield a run in 11 ⅓ innings of work to go along with a 1-0 record, four saves and 20 strikeouts.  

Jorge DeCardenas has been shifted between the bullpen and the rotation. The junior’s made five appearances (two starts), has an 0-1 record and a 3.52 ERA. 

Cameron Hansen seems to have solidified himself as the Saturday starter for the 49ers. After a rough outing against Virginia Tech to begin the season, the senior has allowed two runs over his past two starts, including five shutout innings last week against Old Dominion. His statline heading into the weekend sits at: 1-2, 4.73 ERA, 15 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings pitched.

Probable Starting Pitchers

Friday March 8: Kenny Lippman vs. Cole Reynolds

Saturday March 9: Logan Koester vs. Cameron Hansen

Sunday March 10: Joey McMannis vs. Jorge DeCardenas