Late rally lifts CSU past Maryland, 10-9, in 11 innings

Thacker had four hits and four RBI in win

CHARLESTON, SC - Staring an 0-4 start in the face, the Charleston Southern baseball team scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth and eventually defeated the University of Maryland, 10-9, in 11 innings at Buccaneer field on Friday afternoon.

Senior catcher Scotty Thacker delivered a game-tying three-run double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, and freshman first baseman Graham Maiden delivered a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 11th to lift the Buccaneers to their first win in four outings. Thacker finished the game with four hits and four RBI while Maiden finished with two hits and two RBI.

Charleston Southern scored five runs on five hits in the first inning to take an early lead. However, Maryland (0-2) answered with a run in the second and posted five runs in the fourth, chasing CSU starter R. J. Swindle. The Terrapins added a run in the sixth and two more in the eighth, entering the ninth inning with a commanding 9-5 lead.

With one out in the ninth, pinch-hitter Marcos Arias drew a walk and Billy Dalton was hit by a pitch from Mike Sharkevich. Brad Woods then hit a long single to load the bases before Maryland head coach Terry Rupp brought in closer Kevin Hart. Jordan Haar worked Hart for an RBI walk before Hart struck out Maiden. Thacker then delivered a double off the centerfield wall, scoring three runs and tying the game at nine.

In the decisive 11th, Hart struck out Woods with one out but the pitch skipped past catcher Bobby Ryan allowing Woods to reach first safely. Haar popped to short for the second out with Woods stealing second to get into scoring position for Maiden, who drilled a 1-2 pitch from Hart back through the middle to score Woods.

"That was a money at bat for Maiden," said CSU head coach Gary Murphy. "He's a young guy that's going to get a lot of big hits during his career here.

"(Scotty) Thacker was huge today as well. He's our only senior and he didn't get a hit last weekend but came up with four hits today. His hit in the ninth was probably the biggest of his career here. Scotty's the heart of this team and I'm real happy for him."

Maryland got four hits, including a three-run homer, from right fielder Bobby Ryan. First baseman Anthony Buffone added three RBI and shortstop Elliot Singletary had a two-run homer. Maryland starter Chris Clem settled in after the five-run first, leaving after seven innings with seven strikeouts and eight hits allowed.

CSU's bullpen, ripped for 30 runs in last weekend's three losses to South Carolina, turned in a solid performance. Ian Holmen relieved Swindle and allowed three hits and three runs with five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. David Perkins pitched a scoreless ninth and Nino Fasulo allowed one hit over two innings, earning the victory.

Maiden picked up his first college hit and RBI with an RBI single in the five-run first. Another freshman, leftfielder Jason Rose, picked up the first two hits of his college career as well.

"I'm really proud of these guys. They could have packed it in after getting behind late but they never gave up. I thought we showed a lot of character today. Our best pitcher was not at his best today but three other guys stepped up and kept us in the game. It's a good win for this baseball team."

Charleston Southern will return to action on Saturday with a one o'clock first pitch against Gardner-Webb. The Bucs will be at home also on Sunday, hosting Marshall at 1:30 pm.