Maryland snaps Illinois’ 27-game winning streak

Published 2:59 am Friday, May 22, 2015

MINNEAPOLIS — Brian Shaffer allowed one run in seven innings and Maryland ended Illinois’ 27-game winning streak with a 2-1 victory in the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday night.

A throwing error allowed Anthony Papio to score the go-ahead run in the second inning, and Maryland (38-20) was able to hold on and snap the Fighting Illini’s conference-record win streak.

Two of Illinois’ three throwing errors came during Maryland’s two-run second inning. Kevin Martir hit a leadoff single and advanced to third when Jose Cuas reached on an error by Illini starter Drasen Johnson (9-3). Papio singled to drive in Martir and tie it at 1. Nick Cieri then reached on a fielder’s choice, but advanced to second on third baseman Ryne Roper’s throwing error that let Papio score.

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Shaffer (5-1) allowed six hits, struck out seven and walked one for Maryland, which will play the winner between Indiana and Iowa on Saturday.

Jason Goldstein had an RBI single in the first inning for Illinois (46-7-1), which will face fifth-seeded Michigan State on Friday.