Diamondback Online - The University of Maryland's Independent Daily Student Newspaper

It took three tries and an unorthodox pitching switch, but last night the Terrapin baseball team finally beat in-state rival Towson.

Tied in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Terps took advantage of three Tiger errors to score three runs and take the lead for good in their 7-4 victory. The win gave the Terps (28-24, 8-19 ACC) some measure of payback against Towson after losing the teams' first two matchups this season.

"They took the series," senior center fielder Nick Jowers said. "But it was important to win today just for pride."

It was evident before a pitch was even thrown how badly the Terps wanted to win last night's game when sophomore pitcher Scott Swinson stepped to the mound.

It was the first time Swinson, the Terps' ace, started a midweek game all season. He usually occupies the Friday night starter role to pitch in conference games. Because he pitched yesterday, he won't be able to start Friday against No. 21 North Carolina State.

"I talked to coach over the weekend, and I was all for it," Swinson said. "The way [Towson] beat us the first two times, it was just like there was something extra there while we were playing. There was more energy."

As far back as Monday, Rupp said he knew his players wanted to avoid the season sweep. Both Jowers and Swinson said they didn't want to lose to Towson because a lot of players have known each other for a long time, whether it's through area high schools or summer ball.

"I know for our seniors especially, they've grown up and played with a lot of guys on [Towson]," Rupp said. "They said they've got to get this game so they can have the bragging rights from here on out, since it's their last chance."

After a three-run third inning thanks to back-to-back home runs from Jowers and junior designated hitter Jensen Pupa, it looked as though the Terps were well on their way.

But Swinson gave up three runs in the top of the fourth. After a sacrifice fly by Terp senior shortstop Joe Palumbo scored one in the bottom of the inning, Towson tied the game with another run in the sixth.

Swinson was relieved after 6 2/3 innings of work by sophomore Nathan Steelman, who earned his first career victory by ending the inning without any more damage.

Then came the pivotal seventh inning, in which the Terps scored three and backed up their weeklong desire to avoid the sweep against the Tigers.

"I just felt like there was no way we could possibly lose that game," Swinson said. "We knew we had to beat these guys."

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