TROY, Ala. (Interstat) — The Maryland Terrapins evened their weekend series with the Troy Trojans in emphatic fashion Saturday afternoon, riding a powerful offensive start and a dominant bullpen performance to a 9-3 victory at Riddle-Pace Field.

After dropping the series opener 5-2 on Friday, Maryland (8-4) wasted no time asserting control in the rematch. Leadoff hitter Martin was hit by a pitch from Troy starter Noah Thigpen and, after advancing to second on a pickoff error, scored alongside David Mendez on Mendez’s two-run homer to left field in the first inning. The Terrapins extended their lead to 3-0 in the third when center fielder Aden Hill launched his first home run of the season.

Troy (6-8) responded forcefully in the bottom of the second, chasing Maryland starter Evan Smith. The Trojans strung together five consecutive two-out hits, including an RBI double by Pyne and run-scoring singles from Diaz and Cavill, to plate three runs and tie the game. Smith was relieved after the inning, having allowed three earned runs on six hits over four innings.

The game’s momentum shifted decisively in the top of the fifth. With the score still tied 3-3, Maryland’s Kaunas and Gibbs delivered back-to-back singles off Thigpen, with Gibbs’s hit driving in the go-ahead run. That prompted a pitching change to Zach Crotchfelt, but the damage was done. Maryland never relinquished the lead.

The most important part of the game was the collective effort of the Maryland bullpen, which utterly silenced the Troy offense after the second-inning outburst. Following Smith’s exit, Nic Morlang and Logan Hastings combined for five perfect innings, striking out 12 consecutive batters at one point and allowing zero hits.

Morlang was sharp over two innings, striking out four. But Hastings was untouchable. Entering in the seventh, the right-hander struck out the side in order. He returned for the eighth and ninth, fanning five more Trojans to finish with eight strikeouts over three perfect frames. His overpowering performance sealed the win and stifled any hope of a Troy comeback.

Maryland provided ample insurance late. In the eighth, Hill doubled home a run and Martin followed with an RBI double to make it 6-3. In the ninth, catcher Rylen Stockton put an exclamation point on the evening with a two-run homer to left, scoring Ryan Costello, who had doubled.

The Terrapins out-hit the Trojans 13-11. Costello led the way with three hits, including a double, and an RBI. Hill finished 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, and two RBIs. Troy’s Thigpen took the loss, allowing four earned runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings. Crotchfelt gave up three runs in 3 1/3 innings of relief.

The victory improved Maryland to 8-4 on the season, while Troy fell to 6-8. The teams conclude their three-game series Sunday afternoon. Maryland will travel to face West Virginia on Tuesday, while Troy will host Alabama on the same day.