A Late‑Season Surge
Maryland baseball closed out the 2026 season with a 6‑4 win over Penn State, securing its second conference series victory and providing a rare bright spot in an otherwise challenging year.
The Nittany Lions drew first blood with a solo homer from Jayden Davis, but the Terps answered quickly as Nate Hawton‑Henley’s RBI single in the second tied the game.
Devin Russell’s 428‑foot blast in the third put Maryland ahead, and Paul Jones II followed with a two‑run homer in the fourth, extending the lead.
Logan Hastings delivered a career‑high nine strikeouts before handing the ball to Lance Williams, who combined with Hastings for a season‑high 17 strikeouts.
Key Performances
Bud Coombs made a diving catch in the eighth to preserve the lead, while the team said goodbye to redshirt senior Alistair Morin and outfielder Aden Hill, who contributed 11 RBIs over 25 starts.
Paul Jones II is now tied for second on the team with 12 home runs, and his late‑inning heroics helped seal the win.
Coach Swope acknowledged the disappointment of the season but highlighted the emergence of newcomers and the excitement surrounding Brayden Martin, who ranks fifth nationally with 54 walks.