Maryland baseball kicked off its 2025 campaign with an impressive performance at the Swig & Swine College Classic in Charleston, South Carolina, taking two of three games over the weekend. The Terrapins showed power at the plate, resilience on the mound, and flashes of dominance that set a promising tone for the season ahead. Now, they return to Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium for their home opener against Delaware on Tuesday.
Weekend Recap: Terps Take Two of Three
Friday: Hacopian’s Grand Slam Sparks Season-Opening Win
Maryland started the season on a high note, defeating UAB 6-3 behind a fourth-inning explosion. Sophomore infielder Chris Hacopian delivered the game’s biggest moment, launching a grand slam to left field that swung the game in the Terps’ favor. It was his 16th career home run and second grand slam.
Starter Kyle McCoy made his long-awaited return to the mound after recovering from Tommy John surgery, tossing four innings of one-run ball with four strikeouts. Relievers Ryan Van Buren and Andrew Johnson held off a late push from UAB.
Saturday Morning: Ball State Edges Maryland in 5-3 Battle
The Terps suffered their first loss of the season in their second game, falling to Ball State, 5-3. Defensive miscues in the first inning put Maryland in an early hole as Ball State jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Maryland clawed back with runs from Eddie Hacopian, Alex Calarco, and Hollis Porter—whose opposite-field home run marked his first at the Division I level—but it wasn’t enough.
Despite strong performances from starter Joey McMannis and relievers Omar Melendez and Logan Hastings, Maryland couldn't capitalize on late opportunities with runners in scoring position. Ball State’s sixth-inning two-run homer proved to be the difference.
Saturday Night: Offensive Eruption Against Mercyhurst
Maryland responded emphatically in their final game of the weekend, overwhelming Mercyhurst 19-1 in a dominant display. The Terps’ offense exploded with 14 hits, led by Alex Calarco’s career night. The senior crushed two home runs, including a grand slam, and drove in seven runs.
The Terps’ pitching staff silenced Mercyhurst’s lineup, recording 15 strikeouts while allowing just five hits. Evan Smith, Jack Wren, and Devin Milberg combined for a near-flawless night on the mound. With the blowout victory, Maryland secured a winning weekend and showcased the depth of their roster.
Key Takeaways from Opening Weekend
Offensive Firepower: Maryland totaled 28 runs in three games. The team launched six home runs, including two grand slams.
Pitching Depth: The Terps’ pitching staff posted a solid 2.08 ERA over the weekend, striking out 34 batters in 26 innings.
New Faces Making an Impact: Transfers such as Porter and Liam Willson immediately contributed, while Maryland’s bullpen featured strong debuts from new arms.
Home Opener Preview: Maryland vs. Delaware
After starting the season on the road, Maryland returns home to face the Delaware Blue Hens (0-3) in their first midweek matchup. The Blue Hens struggled offensively in their opening series against Florida Atlantic, managing just five runs across three games. Their pitching staff showed flashes of promise, particularly with strikeout potential, but they’ll need more offensive consistency to challenge the Terps.
Players to Watch
Maryland:
Chris Hacopian (IF): Off to a hot start with a grand slam and six RBIs over the weekend.
Alex Calarco (C/DH): Recorded a career-high seven RBIs against Mercyhurst and leads Maryland in home runs.
Brayden Martin (OF): Hit .556 (5-for-9) in Charleston with four runs scored.
Delaware:
Andrew Amato (OF): The senior leadoff hitter recorded three hits last weekend.
Aaron Graeber (OF): Delaware’s top hitter from 2024 (.312, 14 HR) is looking to get back on track.
Elias Conway (LHP): Struck out five in three innings during Delaware’s opening series.
The Terps enter their 2025 home opener in a strong position, backed by a potent offense and a pitching staff showing early promise.
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