In the Maryland baseball team’s game with Minnesota on Friday, the Terps’ pitching staff collapsed after holding a 3-0 lead through five and a half innings. Right-hander Taylor Bloom allowed two runs in the bottom of the frame, and the bullpen gave up seven runs in the eighth. The Golden Gophers won, 9-5.
The Terps again held a 3-0 lead late in the game Saturday.
And this time, right-handers Brian Shaffer and Mike Rescigno finished the job.
Shaffer allowed just two runs over eight innings, and Rescigno earned the save in the Terps’ 4-2 win at Minnesota, setting up the rubber game Sunday.
Friday, Maryland (19-16, 5-3) recorded 13 hits and walked seven times but stranded 15 runners on base, a problem they faced earlier this season. The Terps recorded just six hits Saturday while leaving eight on base, but the offense had the luxury of relying on more consistent pitching.
And for the second straight game, the Terps gave their starter an early lead.
Shortstop Kevin Smith, who was moved to the second spot in the lineup Saturday after hitting sixth recently, doubled to drive in two runs in the second before right fielder Madison Nickens advanced home on a wild pitch.
With Shaffer dealing, the Terps added insurance in the eighth when left fielder Marty Costes scored home on a balk.
The Golden Gophers (20-11, 5-2) attempted a rally in the eighth when first baseman Toby Hanson and third baseman Micah Coffey hit back-to-back RBI singles.
But Shaffer escaped the jam. And after having to rely on the bullpen for 3.1 innings Friday, the Terps only needed Rescigno in the ninth Saturday to seal the victory.
