Preview: Delaware at Maryland

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Interstat) — The Maryland Terrapins look to continue their strong start and secure a series sweep when they host the Delaware Blue Hens in a nonconference baseball game Wednesday evening at Shipley Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT under forecasted rainy conditions and a temperature near 49 degrees.

Maryland (6-3) holds a record above .500 and edged Delaware 15-14 in a high-scoring affair when the teams last met on Feb. 24. The Terrapins are coming off a three-game home sweep of Wagner, outscoring the Seahawks 46-23.

A key catalyst for Maryland’s offense is sophomore outfielder Brayden Martin. He is riding a hot streak, going 10 for 14 (.714) with eight RBIs over his last three games against Wagner. Martin was held hitless in the previous meeting with Delaware but has been one of the nation’s most productive hitters over the past week.

Delaware (5-7) seeks to even the season series and build momentum after taking two of three from Rider last weekend. The Blue Hens’ bullpen has been a recent strength, highlighted by reliever Ryan McLaughlin.

McLaughlin, a player to watch for the Blue Hens, has been dominant in two of his last three outings. He threw three scoreless innings with five strikeouts in Sunday’s 5-4 win over Rider and three perfect innings with three strikeouts in a win over La Salle on Feb. 25. Control issues led to a rough outing at Mississippi State on Feb. 21, but his recent form provides a reliable late-inning option.

The Terrapins’ offense, averaging over nine runs per game during their current three-game win streak, will test a Delaware pitching staff that has shown inconsistency. Maryland’s Logan Hastings provided three innings of relief in Sunday’s win, logging four strikeouts.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this rematch is projected to be another close one, with Maryland favored 7-6.

Following this midweek contest, Delaware returns home to host Canisius for a three-game series starting Friday. Maryland hits the road for a three-game set at Troy beginning Friday.