Maryland baseball right fielder Marty Costes emerged as a power threat last season as a freshman, finishing with a team-high nine home runs. Still, he wanted to put the ball in play more consistently.
Though Costes struck out in 17 of his 92 plate appearances this season, he has been a threat in the middle of coach John Szefc’s lineup for the second straight year. His production was on display in Maryland’s series win over Michigan last weekend to begin Big Ten play.
Costes was slotted third in the order in each contest and recorded at least one hit in every game. He boosted his batting average to a team-high .359, the kind of production Szefc expects.
“He’ll have a subpar at-bat every once in awhile, but in general, he’s one of the more feared guys in our lineup,” Szefc said. “He’s been pretty consistent. He’s pretty regularly the same guy, give or take a couple of games.”
Costes guided the Terps in their 7-2 win over Michigan to open the series, earning a pair of hits and an RBI. His home run to left field in the first gave right-hander Brian Shaffer an advantage to work with.
His first inning single Saturday prolonged the frame in which Maryland tied the game at one, and his RBI single in the opening frame Sunday did the same.
“I’ve improved hitting with two strikes,” Costes said. “I try to pride myself on not striking out as much as I can. I’m getting better at it.”
