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So long, postseason home winning streak.
Maryland got on the board early, taking a 1-0 lead in the first, when Brandon Lowe came through with an RBI single. The Terps tacked on three more runs in the next inning. This was due in part to less-than-ideal pitching by Wynkoop, and was not helped by some really questionable defense. That ended Wynkoop's day, and Taylor Widener took over on the mound.
The Gamecocks ended the shutout in the fourth inning, thanks to a two-out RBI single from DC Arendas that made the score 4-1.
USC got another run in the sixth inning, after Max Schrock singled, Joey Pankake walked, and Kyle Martin knocked an RBI double to make it 4-2. Martin nearly tied up the game, but his double fell just short of clearing the yellow line demarcating the top of the wall in right field.
Arendas tallied another RBI soon after, as he contributed a sac fly to get Pankake across the plate. They had a golden scoring opportunity in the seventh inning and couldn't cash in, which, like I've said before, needs to not happen. There were other scoring chances in the eighth and ninth innings, but again, the Gamecocks came up empty.
While the defense was suspect early on, Connor Bright made a stellar play to prevent Maryland's fifth run from coming home.
This game was frustrating to watch for a lot of reasons, but I think both teams and their fans felt tonight's home plate umpire left a bit to be desired. Chad Holbrook was no exception.
Wynkoop lasted just 1.2 innings and allowed six hits, four runs, didn't walk any batters, and struck out one. He takes the loss and falls to 7-6. Widener was phenomenal tonight in what was his longest appearance as a Gamecock. He worked the remaining 6.1 innings and gave up two hits, no runs, issued four walks, and tallied six K's. Widener kept Carolina in the game and never got rattled, despite the intense game. His performance was particularly impressive given that he's a freshman, and it's really unfortunate that he couldn't come away with a win.
Terps starter Mike Shawaryn had a fairly strong outing as well. He pitched 6.1 innings and surrendered five hits, three runs, walked three batters, and struck out three. He earned the win and is now 11-3.
Martin led Carolina at the plate with three hits, while Charlie White and LaMonte Wade each had two to pace the Terps.
The Gamecocks drop to 43-17 overall, while Maryland improves to 38-21. South Carolina will play Campbell tomorrow at 1 p.m., then must beat the Terps twice to advance.