Maryland Terrapins Seek Momentum in Road Series Against Ohio State Buckeyes

The Terps head to Columbus looking to spark a mid-season push, carrying a 17–9 all‑time edge into a pivotal weekend showdown with the Buckeyes.

Maryland Terps shortstop Blake Schmit (1) throws to first to end the sixth inning against the Virginia Cavaliers. | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Maryland Terrapins hit the road this weekend, heading to Columbus for a pivotal three‑game series against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Sitting at 13–15 (2-7 Big Ten), Maryland is searching for a spark against a Big Ten opponent, while Ohio State enters at 14–13 (4-5 Big Ten), looking to defend its home turf. The Terps carry a 17–9 advantage in the all‑time series, but with both teams fighting for momentum, this Midwest matchup has the feel of a swing point for each program.

Maryland enters the weekend near the bottom of the Big Ten standings at 2–7, tied with Minnesota for the second‑fewest conference wins and sitting 8.5 games behind undefeated UCLA. Ohio State, meanwhile, holds a firmer mid‑pack position at 4–5, part of a cluster of teams chasing the conference's upper tier and currently 6.5 games back.

With the Buckeyes riding a four‑game winning streak and Maryland looking to climb out of the conference cellar, the series carries meaningful implications for both programs as they try to gain ground in a crowded middle of the standings.

The series opens Friday at 6 PM, followed by a Saturday matchup at 3 PM, before wrapping up Sunday with a 1 PM first pitch. Fans can catch every game on B1G+ or tune in to the Maryland Baseball Network for full radio coverage throughout the weekend.

Players to Watch for Maryland

Maryland Erupts for 19 Runs in Blowout Win Over Richmond https://t.co/YbvYw8f0Kp

— MarylandTerpsOnSI (@TerpsOnSI) April 1, 2026

Maryland closed out the month of March swinging the bats with authority, finishing with 183 total hits and 123 runs. The Terps consistently generated traffic, showcasing an offense that produced at a high clip throughout the month and laid the foundation for their push into April.

Junior third baseman / right fielder Brayden Martin continues to anchor Maryland’s lineup with one of the most complete offensive profiles in the Big Ten. The junior outfielder is slashing .381 with a .978 OPS through 28 starts, piling up 43 hits in 113 at‑bats while showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His extra‑base production includes six doubles, a triple, and a home run, helping him drive in 20 runs and tally 54 total bases.

What elevates Martin even further is his plate discipline and baserunning efficiency. He’s drawn 25 walks against just 11 strikeouts, pushing his on‑base percentage to an impressive .500. Add in four hit‑by‑pitches and a perfect 10‑for‑10 mark in stolen bases, and Martin has become one of Maryland’s most dynamic threats every time he steps to the plate. His ability to reach base, create pressure, and extend innings continues to set the tone for the Terps’ offense.

Freshman first baseman Ryan Costello has emerged as Maryland’s premier power threat, leading the Terps with 11 home runs in just 26 starts. His .275 average and 1.050 OPS underscore how dangerous he’s been in the middle of the lineup, pairing consistent hard contact with game‑changing pop. Costello has already racked up 34 RBIs and 66 total bases, fueled by five doubles and his team‑best slugging percentage of .647.

With 20 walks boosting his on‑base percentage to .403, he’s shown maturity beyond his class year, giving Maryland a legitimate middle‑order force capable of flipping a game with one swing.

Sophomore Cristofer Cespedes has quietly become Maryland’s most reliable winner on the mound, stacking up a team‑best three victories while thriving in a high‑leverage relief role. Across 12 appearances, the right‑hander has logged 22 innings with a competitive .250 opponent average, leaning on his strikeout stuff, 29 punchouts, to navigate traffic despite a 1.64 WHIP.

His 4.91 ERA doesn’t fully capture his value, as Cespedes has repeatedly delivered shutdown frames, limited extra‑base damage, and even notched a save. With no home runs allowed and a knack for escaping trouble, he’s emerged as the Terps’ most dependable arm when a game is hanging in the balance.

Players to Watch for Ohio State

Terps Collapse Late as No. 9 Virginia Erupts for Nine-Run Eighth in 16–6 Loss https://t.co/hp1O6n118w

— MarylandTerpsOnSI (@TerpsOnSI) March 25, 2026

Senior Henry Kaczmar has been the heartbeat of Ohio State’s offense, and his production shows exactly why he leads the Buckeyes in hits this season. Through 27 starts, he’s batting .336 with 37 hits in 110 at‑bats, consistently finding barrels and sparking rallies from the top of the order. His blend of gap power, 10 doubles, four home runs, and a strong .413 on‑base percentage makes him one of the most complete hitters in the Big Ten.

With a .949 OPS and a team‑best 59 total bases, Kaczmar has become the lineup’s most dependable table‑setter and run‑producer, driving the Buckeyes’ offense every time he steps into the box.

Junior Jake Michalak has emerged as Ohio State’s most dependable arm, leading the Buckeyes with four wins while remaining undefeated through his first 10 appearances. The right‑hander has been remarkably steady in his 18.2 innings, posting a strong 3.37 ERA and holding opponents to a .209 average, the best mark among OSU’s regular pitchers.

His ability to limit hard contact, evidenced by allowing just two doubles and no home runs, has made him a trusted option in tight spots. With 20 strikeouts against 13 walks and a 1.45 WHIP, Michalak has consistently delivered the sort of composed, competitive outings that tilt games in Ohio State’s favor, cementing his place as the staff’s early-season wins leader.

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