Last night, Maryland didn’t record its first and only two runs until the top of the ninth inning. On Saturday, the Dirty Terps took a two-run lead in the top of the first inning and never looked back in Game 2 against Troy.

Maryland (9-5) overpowered Troy (6-8) at Riddle-Pace Field on Saturday, earning a 9-3 win in Game 2 of the weekend series. 

Leadoff hitter Brayden Martin was the first to make it on base after being hit by a pitch. A failed pick-off attempt allowed the third baseman to advance to second. After shortstop Ty Kaunas struck out, David Mendez stepped up to the plate. 

The junior smacked his first home run of the season to give the Dirty Terps a 2-0 advantage early in the game.

The Trojans’ offense entered the first inning with their bats active. 

With one out, Jimmy Janicki got on base with a single to right field, but the Dirty Terps recorded a double play after Aaron Piasecki grounded out to Kaunas to end the inning.

Troy threatened again in the bottom of the second.

Drew Nelson singled to Kaunas, who made a quick throw to first. Maryland challenged the call, but the ruling stood and Nelson stayed at first. One out later, Josh Pyne doubled deep to left field, right over Crosland’s head to bring home Nelson. The Trojans tied the game after Zaid Diaz drove a single in between first and second base to bring home Pyne. 

Blake Cavill then drove a ball to right center, making Ryan Costello attempt a diving catch. He fell just short and Diaz scored to give Troy the 3-2 lead.

Senior Aden Hill immediately tied the game, slamming one over the left field wall to record his first home run of the season. Martin found the gap on the left side to get onto first, but Kaunas struck out swinging and Mendez grounded into a double play to keep the game tied.

The Dirty Terps kept the Trojans scoreless throughout the second half with the help of a leaping catch by Jones II at first base to record a double play. 

Strong defenses allowed both teams to remain scoreless until the fifth inning.

Colin Gibbs brought home Martin with a single through the left side, giving Maryland a 4-3 lead.

Left-handed pitcher Evan Smith made his second start of the season on Saturday after missing most of the 2025 season in recovery from Tommy John Surgery. He pitched until the fifth inning and allowed eight hits after facing 19 batters.

Smith was replaced by right-handed pitcher Nic Morlang in the bottom of the fifth, who ensured the Trojans could not extend their lead. 

Morlang faced just seven batters in his first two innings, throwing 25 pitches and recording four strikeouts.

Maryland’s offense added to its lead in the top of the seventh inning. 

Kaunas made his way on base after being hit by a pitch and advanced to second after a sacrifice bunt from Gibbs. 

The freshman found his way onto third after a wild pitch and was brought home by Costello, who singled up the middle, giving the Dirty Terps a two-run lead.

Right-handed pitcher Logan Hastings replaced Morlang in the bottom of the seventh to close out the next three innings. 

The Terps added some more offensive support over the last few innings too.

Hill knocked in a double to bring home Rylen Stockton. Soon after, Martin shot another double down the right field line to bring home Hill, making it a 7-3 game.

The Dirty Terps ended the game with a two-run home run by Stockton in the top of the ninth– his third of the season.

The Trojans remained scoreless throughout the rest of the game after Hastings recorded eight strikeouts against the 12 batters he faced– three in a row were pinch hitters in the bottom of the ninth. 

Game 3 of Maryland’s series against Troy is set for Sunday at 12 p.m. Tune into MBN where Daniel Stein will have the call.