Box Score
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Charlie Haslup and Michael Boyden combined on a two-hit shutout as host Maryland edged Norfolk State in a 1-0 pitchers' duel on Tuesday evening at Bob Smith Stadium.
Thanks to clutch pitching and strong defense, the Spartans (16-24) hung tough with the Terrapins (29-19) in their first game against an ACC opponent since facing Virginia in 2006. But Haslup and Boyden kept the NSU offense at bay.
NSU starter Chris Horne pitched seven strong innings, allowing only one run on six hits. But that run proved to be the difference. Horne pitched around some trouble in the opening innings, stranding four Maryland base runners in the first three frames, before the Terrapins broke through in the fourth. Horne retired the first two batters of the inning. But Ryan Holland doubled and scored on Korey Wacker's RBI single for what proved to be the game's only run.
The Spartans managed just three base runners in the contest, which lasted just 1 hour, 48 minutes – NSU's fastest nine-inning game of the season. Sophomore outfielder Tyon Ore singled with one out in the second, but was thrown out attempting to steal second. In the fifth, senior catcher Chris Warren singled with two outs, but was cut down trying to stretch the hit into a double.
Officially, NSU stranded just one runner on the night. Junior first baseman Ross Cardwell walked with two outs in the seventh, but did not advance past first.
Haslup (5-4) went seven innings, allowing just the two hits and one walk while striking out seven. Boyden retired all six hitters he faced in the final two innings to earn the save. He struck out five of the six batters.
Horne (4-5) took the loss despite his best start of the season. He matched his season high with the seven innings pitched, and the one earned run he allowed is his lowest total in the four starts he has made. Horned walked three and struck out three. Jordan Egan pitched a 1-2-3 ninth in relief for NSU.
The Spartans return to MEAC play when they host a three-game series this weekend with Maryland Eastern Shore. The series gets underway with a 3 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday at Marty L. Miller Field. NSU will recognize its seniors prior to the first game.
