CULLWHEE, NC – Maryland baseball had a historic day, scoring an impressive 35 runs and hitting a record 27 times in just nine innings. They took down Western Carolina, winning 35-12 in the second game of the series at Hennon Stadium. With this victory, the Terps improve to 3-2 and are set for the final game of the series tomorrow at 1 p.m.
Player Highlights:
Alex Calarco shined again, hitting a grand slam for his third consecutive game. This brings his career total to 13 home runs, with four of those coming in the last three games. He also had three hits, six RBIs, and two runs scored in the game, leading all NCAA Division I players with 19 RBIs after just five games.
But Calarco wasn’t alone in the spotlight. Paul Jones II hit the first grand slam of his career, contributing to Maryland’s five grand slams over the first five games. In 2023, the Terps led the nation with 11 grand slams.
Maryland scored in each inning, with a remarkable eight-run seventh. Twelve players contributed with at least one hit, and 13 players added to the scoring. Hollis Porter went 4-for-5, driving in four runs, including a two-run homer to kick off the scoring in the first inning. He now has three multi-hit games in a row.
Other notable performances included:
- Eddie Hacopian: 3 hits, 5 runs, 3 RBIs
- Chris Hacopian: 3 hits, 6 runs, 3 RBIs
- Michael Iannazzo: 4 hits, 3 RBIs
Jack Wren also made his mark on the mound, pitching four innings in relief, striking out two batters and allowing just one run. He earned his first career win as a Terp.
In total, Western Carolina used nine pitchers in the game, struggling to contain Maryland’s powerful offense.
Fun Facts:
- This was Wren’s first win as a Terp.
- Multiple players celebrated their first collegiate hits, including Colin Gibbs and EJ Hankerson.
- Calarco leads the team with his 19 RBIs, which ranks him first nationally.
- Maryland set a school record with their 28 hits in this game.
What’s Next:
Maryland will face Western Carolina in the final game of their three-game series tomorrow, February 23, at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+ and the Maryland Baseball Network.
