Author: Brandon Schwartzberg

Backed by strong offensive showing, Maryland defeats James Madison, 12-2

Brandon Schwartzberg Game Recaps

Up by a run entering the third, No. 15 Maryland looked to add on to its slim lead over the James Madison Dukes.

Chris Alleyne and Nick Lorusso did just that in big ways — hitting back-to-back home runs to give the Terps a three-run lead.

Maryland led from the very first inning and never looked back, downing James Madison, 12-2, for the Terps’ 42nd victory of the season — tying the program record.

In the final regular season game at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium, the Terps got out to an early lead.

Luke Shliger led off Maryland’s bats with a first-pitch single in the bottom of the first, and two batters later, scored on a base right into right off the bat of Lorusso.

Two innings later, the Terps’ power showed. After retiring the first couple Terps in the inning with relative ease, CJ Czerwinski struggled to find the third out of the frame.

On a 1-0 pitch, Alleyne crushed a blast into left center. Fenwick Trimble leaped at the wall but was unable to bring back Alleyne’s shot as it fell over the wall for a solo home run.

The very next batter, Lorusso, sent a towering blast into dead center. As soon as Lorusso made contact, Czerwinski looked down and sighed as he knew the outcome — a blast over the batter’s eye for the back-to-back jack.

Alleyne and Lorusso’s third inning home runs gave the Terps a 3-0 lead.

After firing three scoreless innings, Andrew Johnson was replaced on the mound by Matt Cunningham.

Cunningham immediately gave up a single and a two-run blast to right by Ryan Dooley, ending his outing after only two batters as Coach Rob Vaughn removed him on the mound for Logan Ott.

Ott got through the rest of the fourth without more damage being done, keeping Maryland’s lead at 3-2 entering the bottom of the inning.

With Troy Schreffler on base and a 1-2 count in the bottom of the fourth, Maxwell Costes sent one deep into right center. Grant Painter leaped at the wall but couldn’t bring Costes’ blast back as it landed over the fence for a home run, extending the Terps’ lead back up to three, 5-2.

Matt Kleinfelter entered in relief to start the fifth for the Dukes, and his first pitch was blasted over the fence in left center for a long home run off the bat of Lorusso. Lorusso’s second home run of the game upped Maryland’s lead to 6-2.

In the bottom of the sixth, Michael Stewart entered to pitch for the Dukes. Ian Petrutz gave Stewart a rude awakening as he hit a blast over the wall in left for a solo home run, putting Maryland ahead 7-2.

Later in the inning, the Terps threatened with the bases loaded and no one out — sending Stewart back to the dugout in a short outing. Stewart was replaced on the mound by Lliam Grubbs. Grubbs allowed a walk to his first batter faced, bringing home the eighth run of the game for the Terps.

Matt Shaw followed with an infield grounder mishandled for an error, sending home another run while keeping the bases loaded with no outs. Two batters later, Costes roped one down the left field line to score two, giving Maryland an 11-2 lead.

The Terps added another run in the eighth on a Bobby Zmarzlak run-scoring single.

Gavin Stellpflug fired a scoreless ninth, clinching the 12-2 win for the Terps.

Midweek Preview: James Madison

Brandon Schwartzberg Series Previews

Following a home weekend sweep against Michigan, No. 15 Maryland has a matchup on the horizon against James Madison, the second time the Terps and the Dukes will play this season. In their contest a month ago in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the Terps downed the Dukes in a thriller. James Madison got out to a 3-0 lead and following back-and-forth play, led 7-5 entering the eighth inning. After Jacob Orr recorded a two-run single to tie the game in the eighth, Chris “Bubba” Alleyne smacked a solo home run over the wall in right in the ninth, putting Maryland ahead 8-7. David Falco shut down the Dukes in the bottom of the inning, securing the Terps’ 8-7 victory.

Against Michigan this past weekend, the Terps’ bats were on full display. Maryland outscored Michigan 43-23, including a 20-run showing on Saturday. Matt Shaw had a series to remember — the sophomore shortstop went 7-13 with seven runs scored, 12 RBI, and six home runs.

The midweek game against James Madison is the Terps’ last home game of the season, with their regular season finale set for this weekend on the road against Purdue.

James Madison (26-23, 11-9 CAA)

Last Season:

James Madison was one of the worst teams in the CAA last season, as the Dukes were in the bottom half of the conference in both conference and overall win percentage. The Dukes’ pitching staff was their big weakness last season, as they ranked second-to-last in the CAA with a 6.38 ERA. The only Duke that threw double-digit innings with a sub-4.00 ERA last season was Donovan Burke, with a 3.00 ERA. Burke was one of the few consistent Duke arms last season, as he led James Madison in appearances, strikeouts, and WHIP, and was top-three in batting average against.

This Season:

The Dukes rank in the middle of the pack this season in the conference in both batting and pitching. James Madison relies on the home-run ball more than most of its conference, as the Dukes rank third in the CAA in slugging percentage and second in home runs.

Pitching-wise, James Madison is much improved from 2021 — a near two-run decrease from last season. The Dukes’ pitching staff is one of the best in the conference in terms of control, as James Madison ranks third-best in the CAA with 160 walks allowed.

Hitters to Watch:

Redshirt junior backstop Travis Reifsnider has been a wrecking force in the Dukes’ lineup this season. Reifsnider leads qualified Dukes in average (.299), OPS (.988), home runs (12), and slugging percentage (.628). Another redshirt junior, Trevon Dabney, has been a threat at the top of the order for James Madison. Dabney ranks first on James Madison with a .452 on-base percentage, and is a perfect 9-9 in steal attempts.

Pitchers to Watch:

James Madison has started a number of arms in each its past midweek games this season – Ryan Murphy, Todd Mozoki, and CJ Czerwinski. Right-hander Eli Ottinger has been one of James Madison’s best arms out of relief, with a 3.86 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 19 appearances, all out of the bullpen. Ottinger also has a slim batting-average-against of just .214.

Probable pitching matchup

Logan Ott vs. CJ Czerwinski

Ott has been Maryland’s primary midweek starter this season, and the sophomore has been a mixed bag in that role. Ott has fired scoreless outings in two of his starts, but has struggled in the others. Ott enters with a 6.70 ERA.

In its previous midweek matchup this season, the Dukes sent out Czerwinski as the starter against the Terps. Czerwinski struggled, allowing two runs in just 2 1/3 innings pitched. The redshirt sophomore has struggled to a 9.17 ERA on the season.

In back-and-forth affair, Maryland storms back from late deficit to down James Madison, 8-7

Brandon Schwartzberg Game Recaps

After having tied the game in the eighth, Maryland came to bat in the top of the ninth looking for its first lead of the game.

Chris “Bubba” Alleyne crushed a 3-1 pitch over the wall in right field for the solo home run, his 10th of the season, putting Maryland ahead 8-7.

David Falco shut down James Madison in order, securing the victory for the Terps, 8-7.

James Madison got the scoring started in the bottom of the second. The Dukes scored three runs of Maryland starter Logan Ott — all with two outs.

With a runner on second, Mason Dunaway drilled a single into right field. Dunaway scored ahead of the throw home from Troy Schreffler Jr, and Dunaway advanced to second on the throw. Jason Schiavone followed with a two-run blast over the wall in left field, putting the Dukes ahead 3-0.

Maryland responded with a pair in the top of the third.

Ian Petrutz led off with a single to center, and came around to score all the way from first on a Jacob Orr double. Shliger followed with a single, setting up runners on the corners for Alleyne. Alleyne hit a sac-fly to center, scoring Orr to trim Maryland’s deficit down to one.

James Madison got those runs right back in the bottom of the inning.

Dabney started off with a single and advanced to second on a balk. Dabney scored as Travis Reifsnider roped a double into left center, who scored on a RBI fielder’s choice off the bat of Fenwick Trimble, extending James Madison’s lead to 5-2.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the fourth, Orr scored two on a single to right center. Shliger then drove home Petrutz on a shot into the right center gap, tying the game at five.

The Dukes retook the lead in the bottom of the fourth.

Dunaway singled to lead off the inning, and advanced to second on a fielding error by Bobby Zmarzlak. Dunaway stole third and advanced to home on a throwing error by Shliger behind the dish, putting James Madison ahead, 6-5.

Both offenses slowed down as neither side scored over the next couple innings.

James Madison scored for the first time in three innings in the seventh.

Dabney was hit by a pitch with one out, and proceeded to steal second. Dabney advanced to third on a wild pitch, and managed to score as Shliger had trouble finding the ball behind the dish. Through seven, James Madison led, 7-5.

In the top of the eighth, Orr lined a two-run single into center, his fourth and fifth RBI of the game. Orr’s single tied the game for the second time, 7-7.

Alleyne gave Maryland the lead in the ninth on a solo home run.

Maryland scored three in the final two innings to go up, 8-7.

The Terps only led once, but they did when it mattered, and Falco fired a scoreless ninth to clinch the win.

Midweek Preview: James Madison

Brandon Schwartzberg Series Previews

Despite dropping the last game of its series against Minnesota on Sunday, Maryland won its series against the Golden Gophers and now head to James Madison to take on the Dukes for a midweek game Wednesday. The Terps have been on a roll of late, having won seven of their last nine, including each of their last four midweek games.

Maryland defeated George Mason, 8-5, on April 5 in its last midweek game. The bats carried, as starter Logan Ott couldn’t complete five innings on the mound. Maxwell Costes crushed a two-run homer – his 11th of the season – to put the Terps back out in front in the sixth. Nick Larusso and Chris “Bubba” Alleyne both had great days at the plate – the two of them got on base five and four times, respectively. Maryland’s bullpen pitched well in relief of Ott, allowing only one run in 4 1/3 innings to secure the victory for the Terps.

James Madison (17-14)

Last season: James Madison was one of the bottom tier teams in the CAA last season, as the Dukes were in the bottom half of the conference in both conference and overall win percentage. The Dukes’ pitching staff was the big weakness last season, as they ranked second-to-last in the CAA with a 6.38 ERA. The only Duke that threw double-digit innings with a sub-4.00 ERA last season was Donovan Burke, with a 3.00. Burke was arguably the best and most consistent Duke arm last season, as he led James Madison in appearances, strikeouts, and WHIP, and was top-three in batting average against.

This season: 31 games into the 2022 campaign, the Dukes’ pitching staff has been without a doubt better than last season with a 4.91 ERA – over a full run better than last season. Hitting wise, James Madison is near the top of the conference in nearly every major statistical category – average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, home runs, walks, and runs.

Hitters to watch: Redshirt sophomore outfielder Chase DeLauter has been a monster at the plate for James Madison. DeLauter leads both James Madison and the CAA in average (.437), slugging percentage (.828), on-base percentage (.576), and home runs (8). Another Duke with an OPS over 1.000 is leadoff man Trevon Dabney. Dabney ranks only behind DeLauter on James Madison in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, and home runs.

Pitchers to watch: James Madison has started different arms in each of its past three midweek games – Ryan Murphy, Todd Mozoki, and CJ Czerwinski. Right-hander Eli Ottinger has been James Madison’s best arm out of relief, with a 2.41 ERA and sub-one WHIP in 11 appearances, all out of the bullpen.

Probable pitching matchup

Logan Ott vs. TBD

Ott has been Maryland’s primary midweek starter this season, and the sophomore has been a mixed bag in that role. Ott has fired scoreless outings in two of his starts, but in the other five, has an 8.05 ERA.

As previously mentioned, James Madison has used different starters in each of its past three midweek games this season. In its last midweek contest against VMI, Czerwinski started but lasted less than three innings, as the Dukes went with a bullpen game to pick up the 12-2 win.

Maryland deploys seven pitchers in bullpen game, falls to Delaware 6-3

Brandon Schwartzberg Game Recaps

Delaware came up to bat down one in the bottom of the seventh, looking to tie the game at the very least.

Joey Loynd did that and more – he crushed a two-run bomb to give the Blue Hens the lead in the late innings. After being down the first six innings of the game, Delaware led 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh.

Delaware battled against No. 24 Maryland in Newark Tuesday afternoon, and the Blue Hens defeated the Terps, 6-3.

Maryland struck first in the second inning following a scoreless first.

With the bases loaded and no outs, Kevin Keister hit a sac-fly to center field, allowing all runners to advance a base. Bobby Zmarzlak scored, and the Terps got in front, 1-0.

Later in the second, Chris “Bubba” Alleyne singled through the right side of the infield to score Troy Schreffler Jr. from third.

After a Matt Shaw strikeout for the second out of the inning, Nick Lorusso walked with the bases loaded to bring home the Terps’ third run of the inning.

Maryland scored three runs in the top of the second despite recording only one hit in the inning.

After throwing three perfect innings to start the game, Rob Vaughn pulled Logan Ott – Maryland’s starter. Andrew Johnson entered in relief for his fourth appearance of the season.

The Blue Hens scored their first run of the game in the fourth, thanks to a Maryland defensive misplay.

With runners on the corners, two outs in the inning, Sean Heine replaced Johnson on the mound. The first batter Heine faced – Jake Dunion – reached first base on a Matt Shaw error. Dominic Ragazzo scored from third, and the Blue Hens joined the Terps on the scoreboard.

Nick Robinson entered in relief to start the bottom of the fifth, pitching for the first time as a Terp. Robinson, a graduate student, previously pitched at Rhode Island. In his first inning of the season, Robinson allowed a solo home run to Jordan Hutchins to trim the Terps’ lead down to one.

David Falco replaced Robinson on the mound in the sixth, making his season debut. Falco pitched a one-two-three inning, shutting down the Blue Hens in order in his first inning of work this season.

Lorusso replaced Falco on a double-switch for the Terps’ sixth pitcher of the game in the seventh inning.

After the first batter grounded out, Falco allowed a single. Loynd entered the batters box – representing the go-ahead run. Loynd hit a two-run home run over the wall in left, giving Delaware its first lead of the game.

The Blue Hens added to their lead in the eighth.

Dunion stepped up to bat with one on, one out in the inning. Dunion lined a base hit through the right side, and JJ Freeman scored from second to give the Blue Hens a 5-3 lead.

Later in the inning, Hutchins walked with the bases loaded, extending Delaware’s lead to three.

Maryland went down in order in the ninth, and Delaware secured the upset win.

The Terps’ four-game win streak was snapped, and the loss leaves them at 13-3 on the season.

Midweek Preview: Delaware Blue Hens

Brandon Schwartzberg Series Previews

Following a three-game homestand against Cornell and Georgetown, No. 24 Maryland heads to Delaware to take on the Blue Hens for a one-game road trip.

Maryland won all three games – making it four consecutive wins for the Terps. Maryland is now 13-2 on the young season – and a perfect 6-0 in College Park.

The Terps’ bats came to play this past weekend – they scored 27 runs total in the three games. Maxwell Costes was a big reason for Maryland’s offensive showcase, as he crushed a home run in each game, upping his team-leading home run total to eight. Costes’ slugging is up to an absurd .808.

Junior infielder Nick Lorusso had a strong finish to his weekend against Georgetown on Monday. In the Terps’ final game of their three-game homestand, Lorusso clubbed a solo shot to help lead the Terps to a 5-1 victory. Lorusso finished the game 3-5 with a home run and two RBI.

“I saw pitches over the plate that I could hammer and that’s exactly what happened,” said Lorusso.

Jason Savacool pitched a gem against Georgetown to close the stretch of games at home. Savacool threw seven innings of one-run ball, allowing only three hits and one walk. Savacool struck out eight in the process.

“We [the staff] were able to see that they [Georgetown] attack fast balls that are over the plate, so trying to stay to the corners and trying to land a breaking ball early in counts and get after them with a fastball later to set them off a little bit [was key],” said Savacool.

Delaware Blue Hens (6-7)

Last Season

The Blue Hens suffered through a less-than-ideal 2021 season. Delaware finished with a 12-22 record and won only two series all season. Delaware’s pitching staff especially struggled throughout the course of the season. The team’s pitching staff combined for a 6.43 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP. The Blue Hens’ 6.43 ERA ranked last among all schools in the CAA. Delaware’s offense ranked in the middle of the pack among CAA schools, not potent enough to overcome the team’s pitching woes. Kyle Baker was arguably the Blue Hens’ most consistent hitter last year, ranking first on the team in hits, walks, and total bases. Baker slashed .370/.476/.496 in 2021.

This Season

Like in 2021, Delaware’s pitching staff has been less than ideal to start the season. The Blue Hens rank in the bottom three in the conference in ERA, strikeouts, and batting average against. On the other hand, their offense has kept the team around .500. Delaware ranks in the top three in the conference in almost every offensive statistical category – average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage just to name a few. As a team, the Blue Hens have a slash line of .295/.375/.476.

Hitters to Watch

Delaware’s offense is led by a plethora of hitters hitting over .300 – Jake Dunion, Bryce Greenly, Aidan Kane, JJ Freeman, Dominic Ragazzo, and Joseph Carpenter. Kane has been arguably the Blue Hens’ best overall slugger, as he’s tied for the team lead in home runs (3), and leads in slugging percentage (.659) and OPS (1.085). The sophomore outfielder has hits in 11 of his 13 games played, and enters on a six-game hit streak. Ragazzo has been the biggest speed threat for the Blue Hens, leading the team with four stolen bases. Additionally, the sophomore infielder has recorded a hit in all of his 10 games played this season.

Pitchers to Watch

Zach Klapak has been a big piece of the Blue Hens’ bullpen this season, so expect to see him against the Terps. Klapak has appeared in five games – all in relief – and ranks fourth on the team in ERA (3.18). Klapak enters with a 2-0 record. Another name to keep an eye on is Carter Welch. Welch pitched last week against Delaware State, when he gave up five runs in only 2 2/3 innings. The freshman lefty has had a week of rest, so coach Jim Sherman may look to him to provide innings against the Terps.

Probable Starting Pitching Matchup

TBD

Coach Rob Vaughn expects to use numerous guys against Delaware – believing a bullpen game may be his best option in the midweek game.

“It’s crazy because the stables hadn’t been too full in the bullpen in quite a while but I feel like going into that game [against Delaware] you have some weapons to use,” said Vaughn.

According to Vaughn, David Falco and Nick Robinson are both back and ready to make their season debuts. Vaughn also mentioned Logan Ott and Sean Heine as possible arms able to provide an inning or two.

Delaware has played two midweek games so far, starting a different pitcher in each. Dom Velazquez started the Blue Hens’ first midweek game a couple weeks ago against the Terps in College Park. Dan Frake started Delaware’s last midweek game against Delaware State, so he is a viable option for the Blue Hens.

Preseason Countdown No. 11: Top 10 Moments of ’21

Brandon Schwartzberg 2022 Preseason Countdown

10: Maryland’s thriller with Penn State

In the series opener against Penn State on March 20, Maryland scored their most runs in a game since 2016. The Terps defeated the Nittany Lions in a nearly four-and-a-half hour affair on the road, 19-10.

The Terps’ 19 runs scored were their most ever in a Big Ten conference game, and the most in a league game since May 9, 2014 when the Terps scored 21 against Pittsburgh. 

Five Terps had multi-hit games, while six pitchers made appearances. 

Maryland’s scoring came in bunches, as the Terps scored multiple runs in five different innings. Benjamin Cowles had a great day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored, five RBI, and two walks.

Despite giving up a run in less than an inning of work, Tyler Blohm, the fifth pitcher of the afternoon, picked up his first win of the season.

9: Maryland’s 20-5 stretch

Following a sluggish start to the season, Maryland baseball went 20-5 from March 29 to May 21, the best 25-game stretch in program history. Included in the stretch was part of 12 straight home wins before a regular-season finale lost to Indiana. Maryland’s 12 consecutive wins at home tied the longest home winning streak among Power Five teams in 2021.

8: 12 straight wins at home

Maryland played great at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium in 2021, going 16-4 at home. A 12 game win streak following a slow home start made College Park a difficult place to play for visitors.

In the last series of the season against Indiana the Terps secured a doubleheader sweep on May 29 for their 11th and 12th consecutive wins at home. The Terps won the first game, 4-3, in walk-off fashion in extra innings. The second game needed only the usual nine innings as Maryland won 5-2 behind a masterful start on the mound from Sean Burke.

Maryland’s 12-game home winning streak was the second longest in school history.

7: Seven-consecutive weekend series wins

Maryland baseball played perhaps their best stretch of baseball in the thick of Big Ten play when it mattered most. In the second half of the season, Maryland won seven straight weekend series. Over their last 22 games, the Terps went 18-4, the best record in the conference over that stretch.

Maryland won series against Ohio State, Northwestern, Minnesota, Illinois, Purdue, Michigan, and Indiana to wrap up the regular season. The Terps swept the Buckeyes, Wildcats, Golden Gophers, and Boilermakers to rise in the Big Ten regular season standings and propel them into the NCAA Tournament.

6: Jason Savacool earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors

Not once, but twice, did Jason Savacool earn Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors with outstanding pitching performances. 

On March 7, against Michigan State, Savacool pitched beautifully for his first win of the season. Savacool pitched all nine innings, allowing only one earned run on six hits. The freshman right-hander became the first Terp to throw a complete game since Hunter Parsons in 2018. Following the outing, Savacool earned his first career Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor.

Less than 20 days later, Savacool earned the honor again. Savacool threw a gem against Penn State, going the distance while not allowing an earned run. In just his third start on the mound, Savacool became the 11th pitcher nationally to toss two complete games in 2021.

5: MLB Draft

Maryland baseball pitcher Sean Burke was drafted in the 3rd round and 94 overall in the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft by the Chicago White Sox. Burke starred for the Terps pitching staff in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Burke dazzled as a redshirt freshman, netting a 1.99 ERA and 35 strikeouts. Burke continued his spectacular play as a redshirt sophomore by recording a team high 107 punch outs and holding opposing hitters to a .178 batting average against. Burke’s strikeout numbers in 2021 ranks sixth all-time in program history. His batting average against ranked third in the Big Ten in 2021. 

4: Rob Vaughn signed a five-year extension

Following the 2021 season, Maryland baseball head coach Rob Vaughn signed a five-year contract extension, keeping him locked up with the Terps through June 2026.

Maryland had a memorable 2021 season under the helm of Vaughn. Vaughn guided the Terps to a pair of postseason wins and an appearance in the NCAA Greenville Regional Final at East Carolina in June. 

During his time as the head baseball coach at the University of Maryland Vaughn has amassed a record of 93-82 (.531). Vaughn spent his previous five years on the staff at Maryland. Vaughn served as an assistant coach in 2013-14, assistant head coach in 2015-16 and associate head coach in 2017. The Terps won two NCAA Regionals (2014 and 2015) during that time, setting program records for wins in those respective seasons.

3: Maryland destroyed Norfolk State in a record-breaking win

The Terps’ first win of the 2021 NCAA Tournament was a memorable one, as Maryland broke out the bats in a big way to end Norfolk State’s season. Maryland crushed the Spartans 16-0, thanks in large part to a school NCAA Tournament record seven home runs. The seven home runs broke the record of six set against UMBC on June 3, 2017.

Maryland’s 16-0 shutout was the largest margin of victory in a shutout since March 14, 2007 when the Terps defeated Coppin State 27-0.

The seven home runs crushed by Maryland was a season-high, surpassing the previous mark of six at Illinois on May 7. Six different Terps hit a home run against the Spartans: Randy Bednar, Maxwell Costes, Benjamin Cowles, Troy Schreffler, and Justin Vought each hit one, while Bobby Zmarzlak hit a pair. Zmarzlak’s two-homer game was his second multi-homer game of his career. 

2: End of season awards/honors

The 2021 season for Maryland baseball was its best since 2017. Countless players played big roles in the Terps season, as a couple were rewarded with recognition following the season’s end.

Junior shortstop Benjamin Cowles and sophomore left-handed relief pitcher Ryan Ramsey were named to the 2021 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Div. 1 All-East Region Team. Cowles and Ramsey became the first Terps since 2B Nick Dunn in 2018 to earn ABCA All-Region honors.

In addition to his ABCA honor, Cowles was named First Team All-Big Ten and Third Team All-American by Baseball America. Cowles led the Big Ten with 18 home runs, ranked second in RBIs (51), and ranked fourth in slugging percentage (.632). Cowles’ potent hitting was one of the best seasons by a Terp, as his 18 home runs ranks fourth all-time in program history. In addition to his offense, Cowles led the conference in assists (126) and ranked second in fielding percentage (.966) among conference shortstops.

1: Maryland baseball got back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017

For just the seventh time in program history, and the first time in five seasons, the Maryland Terrapins baseball season continued on in the NCAA Tournament. Only two members of the 2017 tournament squad remained in 2021, meaning almost an entirely new group of players reached the tournament for the first time in their careers.

Maryland put together one of its best regular seasons in program history. Maryland’s (28-16) .636 winning percentage in the regular season was the highest under the guidance of head coach Rob Vaughn. The Terps finished second in the Big Ten, their highest since joining the conference in the 2014-2015 season, and their highest conference finish since 1980 when they were second in the ACC.