After a thrilling comeback and walk-off victory against Bradley Tuesday afternoon, the Hawkeye baseball team will welcome Maryland to Banks Field for a three-game series this weekend to kick off Big Ten competition.
The Terps currently sit with a 10-10 overall record, but don’t let that fool you. Maryland was tabbed to finish second in the conference in the preseason Coaches Poll on the heels of a 42-24 record in 2015.
The team advanced to the NCAA Super Regional for the second-straight year in 2015.
So before the Hawks begin conference play with Maryland this weekend, here’s a quick look at how the Terrapin offense looks heading in to Iowa City.
Maryland team batting average: .276
As a team, the Terrapins are struggling at the plate, hitting well below .300. The team’s biggest offensive weapon (minimum 40 at-bats) is freshman infielder Nick Dunn. Dunn bats .359 in 78 at-bats, and has collected 14 RBIs and 1 homerun.
Unfortunately, the Hawks aren’t swinging the bat any better. Hitting just .271 as a team, the Black and Gold were given a shot in the arm last night from senior shortstop Nick Roscetti, who now hits .405.
The weekend could feature a defensive struggle with both teams struggling at the plate.
Maryland runners left on base: 160
So far in 2016, the Maryland batters have left quite a few of their teammates stranded. The 160 runners LOB are 14 more than their opponents. The team’s struggle to plate runs has been evident, as they’ve been outscored 116-111 in 2016.
Iowa enters the weekend having left 144 runners on compared to 130 from its competition. The Hawkeyes average 5.9 runs per game compared to Maryland’s 5.8. The two teams are similar in quite a bit of offensive categories, making for an intriguing weekend matchup in Iowa City.
Maryland home runs: 19
Despite an unimpressive team batting average, the Terrapins boast impressive power. The 19 home runs are 12 more than Iowa brings in to the weekend. The team is led by sophomore infielder Kevin Smith, who’s popped 5 homers so far in 2016. For the Hawks, designated hitter/infielder Austin Guzzo leads the way with 2 home runs. Power hasn’t necessarily been the strength for Iowa, but when Maryland pays their visit this weekend, it might be needed.
Hawk pitchers have done a solid job containing opponent power, allowing just 7 long balls on the year. The Iowa rotation will certainly need to continue the trend to start Big Ten Play on the right foot.
Maryland strikeouts: 162
The Terrapin strikeout total so far in 2016 is 23 more than their season opponents’, and 30 more than Iowa. Plate discipline has apparently been another area where the team has struggled.
That could play in to the hands of Iowa pitchers fairly well this weekend. The Hawkeye hurlers have averaged just over 6.5 strikeouts so far through 18 games, and with Terrapin batters prone to strikeouts, the weekend could be another chance for Iowa pitchers to rack up the K’s.