Big Ten play finally begins as Maryland (16-5) hosts Michigan (8-10) in College Park this weekend.

The Terps enter this series with the best overall record in the conference and a three-game win streak after Tuesday’s win against James Madison.

The comeback Terps were in action once again after going down 3-0 in the second inning. The Hacopian brothers gave Maryland the lead when Chris Hacopian hit an RBI single, followed by an Eddie Hacopian two-RBI double.

Chris continued his big day with an eighth-inning grand slam to secure Maryland’s 9-5 win. Batting from the leadoff spot, Hacopian finished the day 3-for-3 with five RBIs and a walk. The freshman upped his season average to .349 with 21 RBIs and six home runs.

After the momentum-building win, Maryland turns its sights to Michigan State.

Michigan State Spartans (8-10)

Last Season

Last season’s Spartans had a bounceback year after finishing below .500 in 2022. In 2023, Michigan State went 33-22 with a 12-12 Big Ten record and achieved a conference tournament win against Rutgers. Despite the win, its season ended in the Big Ten tournament after losses to Maryland and Nebraska.

Michigan State started its Big Ten play well, winning its first three series against Purdue, Rutgers and Ohio State. As conference play continued, the Spartan’s offense was lackluster. In May they were swept by Illinois and Iowa as they failed to build momentum before the tournament.

This season

After winning the season opener against Merrimack, Michigan State went on a five-game losing skid. The Spartans are starting to bounce back, winning three of its last four but still have a below .500 record. In Tuesday’s 11-1 win against Purdue Fort Wayne, the offense exploded out of the gates, scoring six runs in the first three innings.

Hitters to Watch

Third baseman Dillon Kark leads the Spartans in average (.355), RBIs (18) and slugging (.553). Last weekend Kark collected six hits including two doubles in three games against Evansville. The senior usually bats second in the lineup.

Fellow senior Jack Frank adds an on-base/speed combo to the offense. Frank, an outfielder, leads the team in OPS (.952) and stolen bases, swimming nine bags in ten attempts. Frank bats behind Kark, batting third in the lineup.

Pitchers to Watch

Michigan State’s usual Friday starter is LHP Joseph Dzierwa. Through his first five starts, Dzierwa has a 3.49 ERA with 39 strikeouts in just over 28 innings. The sophomore has a fastball that can reach the low 90s and a curveball that generates swings and misses.

Maryland will also see senior lefty Nick Powers who sports a 2.65 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP. Powers is capable of going deep into games, pitching at least seven innings in three of his five starts. Powers had a complete game a month ago against Marshall, allowing just six hits and two runs.

Probable Starting Pitchers

Friday, March 22: Kenny Lippman vs. Joseph Dzierwa

Saturday, March 23: Logan Koester vs. Nick Powers

Sunday, March 24: Joey McMannis vs. Nick Ferazzi