Last weekend, the Maryland softball team showed signs of offensive life, scoring three runs per game after an abysmal start to the year at the plate.
But after mustering just one run in its Thursday home opener vs. Utah, the Terps’ lineup struggled again in its Friday doubleheader, losing against Miami (Ohio), 2-0, before falling to Jacksonville by the same score.
Maryland wasted stellar complete game outings from Sydney Golden and Ryan Denhart in the defeats.
While Golden held Miami hitless until the sixth inning of game one and allowed only one hit and two walks total, the Terps failed to convert any of their three baserunners into run production.
Maryland got the tying run on base in the bottom of the seventh with one out, but Miami reliever Courtney Vierstra struck out the next two batters to evade the threat and seal the win for Miami.
It was the second time this year Golden was a tough-luck loser against the Redhawks. Last Sunday in Louisville, she held Miami to two runs over four innings, but the Terps managed only one run on five hits in the loss.
Denhart, meanwhile, set a career-high with nine strikeouts in game two despite receiving the loss.
Maryland threatened in the first inning but couldn’t deliver. With two outs, the Terps loaded the bases against Jacksonville starter Alyssa Bilodeau with two singles and a walk. Bilodeau, a native of La Plata, induced a popup by designated player Hannah Eslick to escape the jam.
With two outs in the sixth, Denhart allowed a double and a walk. With the runners in motion on a full count, infielder Hannah Roberts singled to right field. Outfielder Shelby Younkin tripped and bobbled the ball, allowing both runs to score and Roberts to advance to third.
Maryland threatened in the sixth, putting two runners on base with two outs, but outfielder Kassidy Cross grounded out to the pitcher to end the rally.
