The historic season of the Maryland baseball team came to a heartbreaking end Monday night in the regional final against Connecticut. The Terrapins fell into a huge deficit early. The Huskies hung six runs on the board in the first inning. Maryland battled back, however, their rally fell short, as Connecticut advanced to the Super Regional by an 11-8 score.
The loss for Maryland didn’t occur without controversy. Maryland’s rally closed the deficit to two at 10-8.It appeared the Terrapins had cut the deficit down to one in the eighth inning. All-American Chris Alleyne hit a grounder to the pitcher and beat out the throw to first as he collided with Huskies first baseman Ben Huber. Maryland second baseman Kevin Keister scored on the play from third.
However, Alleyne was called out for runner’s interference. The call brings back memories of Trea Turner during the 2019 World Series while with the Washington Nationals. The umpires also ordered Keister back to third base, taking the run off the scoreboard.
The throw was off and away from the bag. However, crew chief Jeff Head still ruled Alleyne out after a review.
The controversial call killed off the momentum that Maryland had built. Sunday night’s hero Nick Lorusso grounded out to short for the third out of the frame, stranding Keister at third.
Connecticut tacked on another run in the bottom of the eighth. Maryland’s chances to extend their season came to halt with a 1-2-3 inning in the ninth.
Maryland’s season ends with a school-record 48 wins. They also claimed the Big Ten regular season title, the team’s first conference title in 51 years. As a result, the Terrapins were awarded the 15th overall seed and hosted its first regional ever. However, two losses in three games to Connecticut ended the year prematurely.
