Last season, Maryland baseball had the program’s all-time saves leader in right-hander Kevin Mooney to finish contests. But only one reliever has an ERA below three this year, so coach John Szefc has switched between different options.

Right-hander Mike Rescigno emerged as the closer in the middle of the season. And while he’s been inconsistent on the hill, he had a chance to keep the game tied at four in the ninth inning against Illinois on Sunday.

Instead, with two outs, Rescigno allowed the Illini to score the game-clinching run. The offense couldn’t rally in the bottom of the ninth, as Illinois defeated Maryland, 5-4, to clinch the series victory.

Right-hander Brian Shaffer, who entered with a 2.78 ERA, had pitched well when starting on Sundays. Entering this weekend, the Terps (25-21, 10-8 Big Ten) were 4-1 when Shaffer pitched the final game of a weekend series since March 13.

He allowed two runs through the first seven innings Sunday. But in the eighth, he collapsed, allowing Illinois (25-20, 9-9) to load the bases. Right-hander Ryan Selmer then allowed two runners to score – both of which were issued to Shaffer – as the Fighting Illini took a two-run lead.

But the Terps retaliated in the bottom of the frame to tie the game.

After third baseman Andrew Bechtold singled in left fielder Marty Costes, center fielder Zach Jancarski singled to drive in Bechtold.

It wasn’t enough, though, as the Terps saw their lead vanish in the following frame.

The Terps’ offense was cold Saturday, as it recorded five runs in the doubleheader. Sunday, the Terps racked up 10 hits, but they failed to consistently drive runners home despite getting on the board first.

In the opening frame, the Terps loaded the bases before first baseman Kevin Biondic flew out to drive in designated hitter Madison Nickens. Two innings later, Illinois tied the game when right fielder Jack Yalowitz flew out to score shortstop Adam Walton.

Maryland took back its lead in the fourth when Jancarski singled in right fielder Anthony Papio and forced Illinois starter right-hander Cole Bellair out of the game.

Shaffer attempted to pick-off third baseman Trent Hammond at first base in the fifth but was called for a balk, which advanced Walton home.

Both teams scored two runs in the eighth, but the Terps’ bullpen couldn’t hold onto the lead an inning later.