Maryland has one final midweek test before conference play commences. The Terps (15-5) faces James Madison (13-7) on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium before a home series against Michigan State starts their Big Ten slate. 

The Terps have the best record in the conference thus far and have yet to drop a game at home. A sweep against Bryant and a trio of midweek wins account for Maryland’s unblemished mark when playing in College Park. 

Maryland is coming off a successful trip to Oregon, where a pair of one-run wins led them to a series victory over the University of Portland.

In Sunday’s rubber game, a four-run eighth inning proved to be decisive for the Terps, with an Eddie Hacopian bunt single driving in the winning run. 

Here is what to expect for the visiting James Madison Dukes.

Last Season

The Dukes were a strong team last season, finishing the season 31-25 and in the middle of the pack of a strong Sun Belt Conference.

James Madison’s time in the Sun Belt Conference Championship started with a victory over Old Dominion, but a loss to second-seed Southern Miss and a heartbreaking 8-7 defeat to Appalachian State, the tournament’s sixth-seed, marked the end of the team’s 2023 campaign. 

This Season

James Madison marks a quality test and potential impressive midweek victory for the Terps.  Having already faced No. 1 Arkansas and No. 16 Coastal Carolina, James Madison has already tested itself against some of the top teams in the nation.

The Dukes were 2-5 in those games, but have been dominant otherwise. James Madison’s resume includes sweeps of Fairfield and Cornell, as well as a midweek victory over Virginia Tech. As of Monday, James Madison is ranked ninth in the RPI. 

Hitters to Watch 

Brendan O’Donnell, a transfer from Rider University, paces the team with eight home home runs, 19 RBIs and an OPS of 1.163. Coleman Calabrese, a junior infielder from Bowie, has been the team’s most consistent hitter this season with a batting average of .346, as well as seven home runs and 18 RBIs.

The trio of Ryan Dooley, Mike Mancini and Fenwick Trimble have been active on the base paths, combining for 21 stolen bases this season.

Pitchers to Watch 

James Madison has a number of talented arms, many of whom have platooned time between starting and in the bullpen. In eight appearances out of the bullpen, Hunter Entsminger has not given up a run all season. Joe Vogatsky leads the team with three saves, and has an ERA of 3.00 in 15 innings. 

Casey Smith has made multiple midweek appearances, throwing 14 innings with an ERA of 3.86. 

Probable Starting Pitchers

Ryan Van Buren vs. TBA