A new season begins for Maryland baseball this weekend as the Terrapins travel south to Charleston, South Carolina, to compete in the Swig & Swine College Classic. With high expectations following a strong 2024 campaign and an offseason that saw key additions via the transfer portal, the Terps will look to start the season with a statement.
Maryland’s first game of the season comes Friday against UAB (4:30 p.m.), followed by matchups with Ball State on Saturday (noon) and Mercyhurst on Sunday (1 p.m.).
New Faces, Same High Expectations
Head coach Matt Swope enters his second season at the helm with a roster that blends experienced returners and exciting newcomers. Eddie Hacopian and Elijah Lambros return to anchor the lineup, while brother Chris Hacopian looks to build on a breakout freshman year. The Terps’ offense, which finished in the top five of the Big Ten in multiple offensive categories last season, will be tested right away against quality competition.
On the mound, Maryland’s pitching depth could be a difference-maker this season. Kyle McCoy’s return from injury adds a major weapon to the rotation, while transfers like Andrew Koshy (Wake Forest) and Brayden Ryan (Merrimack) provide added depth to the bullpen. Omar Melendez, the projected ace, and Logan Koester, a veteran arm, give Maryland a strong starting foundation.
Scouting the Opponents
Friday: UAB (4:30 p.m.)
The Blazers finished last season at 26-29, ending their year with back-to-back losses in the AAC Tournament. Despite last year’s struggles, UAB boasts a dominant ace in Colin Daniel, the preseason AAC Pitcher of the Year. Offensively, Logan Braunschweig leads the charge after hitting .309 in 2024.
Saturday: Ball State (Noon)
Ball State presents a tough challenge, coming off a 35-win season and a runner-up finish in the MAC Tournament. The Cardinals have a deep, experienced lineup, headlined by Blake Bevis (All-MAC second team) and Keegan Johnson (MAC Freshman of the Year). Pitching depth will be a key storyline, as Ball State returns multiple arms that helped them reach the brink of an NCAA Tournament appearance last year.
Sunday: Mercyhurst (1 p.m.)
Making the jump from Division II to Division I, Mercyhurst enters its inaugural season at the highest level of college baseball. While they face an uphill battle, the Lakers bring back some big bats in Zachary Kourous and Chris Juchno, who combined for 70 RBIs last season. On the mound, Jacob Bazala and Aiden Kelly return to lead the rotation.
Three Storylines to Watch
Can Maryland’s Transfers Make an Immediate Impact?
The Terps were active in the transfer portal, adding both hitters and pitchers expected to contribute right away. Players like Hollis Porter (Pearl River CC) and Aden Hill (VCU) could be key in balancing the lineup, while Koshy and Wren provide stability in the bullpen.
Kyle McCoy’s Return to the Mound
One of the biggest storylines heading into the season is McCoy’s long-awaited return following Tommy John surgery. The left-hander was a force as a freshman in 2023, and his performance in the opening weekend could set the tone for Maryland’s pitching staff this year.
Offensive Firepower Against Quality Pitching
Facing UAB’s Colin Daniel and Ball State’s returning arms, Maryland’s lineup will be tested right out of the gate. If hitters like Hacopian, Lambros, and Porter can deliver in clutch moments, it could bode well for the rest of the season.
By: Henry Lilienfeld
Photo: Maryland Athletics
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