March 4, 2007
Box Score
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland baseball team could not overcome an early six-run deficit as it was defeated Sunday by Lafayette College, 7-2, at Shipley Field. The Terrapins' bid for a second-straight series sweep was thwarted by the 6-0 Leopards advantage after two innings and effective pitching throughout the game. Maryland snapped its five-game winning streak as it fell to 9-3, while Lafayette improved to 3-2.
Leopards starter Jeremy Atkins (1-0) pitched effectively through seven innings of work, as he allowed just one earned run on six hits in his first appearance of the season. Meanwhile, the Terps' Kevin Biringer (1-2) was roughed up early and took the loss.
Lafayette took advantage of Biringer right away, as it posted two runs in the first inning on an RBI double by Jeff Butler and a sacrifice fly by Chris Luick. The next inning the Leopards added four more runs, highlighted by Butler's two-RBI double and run-scoring hits by Kevin Leasure and Luick.
Biringer exited the game after 1⅔ innings, as he allowed five earned runs on five hits.
Maryland cut the deficit to 6-1 in the third inning when senior Dan Melvin's groundout scored sophomore Mike Murphy from third base.
In the fourth, Lafayette responded with Leasure's second single of the day, which scored Tom Hayes to give the Leopards the 7-1 advantage.
The Terrapins added their final run in the bottom of the ninth inning, when sophomore Gerry Spessard crossed the plate after being issued a leadoff walk.
Maryland's loss, its first after a five-game winning streak, halted its run of 18-straight home victories against non-conference opponents.
The Terps will look to rebound Wednesday when they play host to in-state rival Towson in their final tune-up before beginning their ACC slate next weekend at NC State. First pitch from Shipley Field is set for 3:00 p.m.
