Getting swept by Virginia Tech over the weekend took a toll on the Terrapin baseball team, so coach Terry Rupp gave his squad a day off on Monday.
Based on yesterday’s outcome, Rupp thinks he has found a new strategy.
The struggling Terp offense looked relaxed and confident at the plate as they banged out 17 hits en route to an easy 13-2 victory against Mount Saint Mary’s (13-15). Rupp credited the decision to give the Terps (16-20) a day off as one of the reasons for the improvement.
“We went back and looked at the tape of the Virginia Tech series, and I think we might have overworked the guys before that series,” Rupp said. “So you can bet your butt we will go light on Thursday before the Duke series.”
In contrast, the Mountaineers offense barely put up a fight, as three Terp pitchers combined to hold them to just three hits. Pitching coach Jim Farr decided to start Matt Fullerton, who rewarded his coach with a strong performance.
In his previous two starts, Fullerton struggled with his command. But against Mount Saint Mary’s, Fullerton used his fastball and breaking ball to pound the strike zone in five innings of two-run ball.
It also helped that the team jumped out to such a quick lead. The Terps scored four runs in the first inning, two of which came on first baseman Will Greenberg’s two-run home run over the center-field fence.
The Terps’ No 2, 3, 4 and 5 hitters combined for 11 hits and 8 of the team’s 11 RBI.
After going hitless in five at-bats on Sunday, third baseman Mike Murphy got back on track with three doubles and three RBI.
“It’s about getting back on the right track and doing things the right way, and hopefully tonight was the first step,” Murphy said. “Everyone just tried to flush it and come in today with a new attitude, and I think it showed.”
mlemairedbk@gmail.com
