Iowa Baseball Series Preview: Maryland Terrapins

Hawkeyes host Terrapins in critical Big Ten matchup

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a college baseball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players, field, and stadium.The Hawkeyes and Terrapins face off in a crucial Big Ten baseball series, with both teams fighting for position in the conference standings.Burnsville Today

The Iowa Hawkeyes baseball team is set to host the Maryland Terrapins for a crucial three-game Big Ten series this weekend. Both teams are fighting for position in the conference standings, with Iowa currently tied for 10th and Maryland sitting at 4-11 in league play. The Hawkeyes are coming off a tough sweep at the hands of USC, while Maryland has won six of its last ten games.

Why it matters

This series represents a pivotal opportunity for Iowa to boost its Big Ten Tournament hopes, as the Hawkeyes look to gain ground on the teams ahead of them in the standings. Maryland, meanwhile, is hoping to build momentum and pull itself out of the conference cellar. The outcome of this series could have major implications on the postseason aspirations of both programs.

The details

Iowa will turn to sophomore right-hander Tyler Guerin to start the series opener on Friday, followed by Maddux Frese on Saturday. The Sunday starter remains TBA, with Logan Runde and Kyle Alivo the likely options. Maryland will counter with left-hander Evan Smith on Friday, right-hander Logan Hastings on Saturday, and a TBA on Sunday, potentially Brayden Ryan or Nic Morlang. The Terrapins boast a potent offense led by outfielder Brayden Martin, who is hitting .351 with a conference-high 39 runs scored. However, Maryland's pitching staff has struggled, ranking last in the Big Ten with a 9.44 ERA in league play.

  • The series opener will mark the 20th all-time meeting between Iowa and Maryland, with the Hawkeyes holding a 10-9 lead in the series.
  • This will be the first time the two teams have met since the 2023 Big Ten Tournament Championship Game.

The players

Brayden Martin

A three-year starter for Maryland, outfielder Brayden Martin is the top hitter in the Terrapins' lineup, slashing .351/.482/.439 with a team-best 52 hits, 26 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases.

Jordan Crosland

After missing most of last season, outfielder Jordan Crosland has been one of Maryland's top power hitters, batting .325 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs.

Rylen Stockton

A transfer from UNC-Asheville, catcher Rylen Stockton is batting .301 with seven home runs and a team-high .422 on-base percentage for the Terrapins.

Ty Kaunas

A true freshman shortstop, Ty Kaunas has stepped in admirably for the departed Chris Hacopian, hitting .291 with 12 doubles and 31 RBIs.

Paul Jones III

The lone Midwest native on the roster, first baseman Paul Jones III is batting .310 with 11 doubles and four home runs for Maryland.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This series represents a crucial opportunity for Iowa to bolster its Big Ten Tournament hopes, as the Hawkeyes look to gain ground on the teams ahead of them in the standings. Meanwhile, Maryland will be aiming to build momentum and pull itself out of the conference cellar, with its potent offense looking to overcome the team's struggling pitching staff.