Maryland baseball pitching implodes during 11-3 series-opening loss to Indiana

Maryland baseball went through four pitchers on Friday night against Indiana, allowing 13 hits, 11 runs and five walks. The Terps started left-hander Evan Smith for his second Friday start of the season. Almost every game prior, Lance Wiliams had been the starter, but during the losing streak, the Terps decided to switch it up.

Smith pitched a solid five innings, recording three strikeouts and four runs. But in the sixth, he relinquished a home run and two walks. Maryland’s next three pitchers allowed seven more runs combined, including two home runs.

“His numbers aren’t indicative of the way he’s played,” said head coach Matt Swope. “Just trying to find some momentum and find that spark where we can get off to a good start on the Fridays so we can try to win a series. ” Maryland ultimately fell to Indiana, 11-4, during Game one of the series on Friday at the Bob.

The Hoosiers kicked off Game 1 with catcher Hogan Denny knocking the first pitch out of the park. Smith recorded his first strikeout of the game shortly after — the outfield handled the rest to end the top of the first. Indiana extended its lead in the top of the second after an RBI single with two outs by Cal Gates made its way past third baseman Colin Gibbs.