WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — West Virginia pitchers plunked five batters Friday. A sixth would have forced in a Maryland run and perhaps opened the door to a comeback.
But Terps hitter Zach Jancarski, trotting down the first-base line after a curve ball ricocheted off his shoulder, had to make a U-turn.
Home plate umpire Jeff Head ruled Jancarski did not sufficiently try to avoid the pitch and ordered him back into the batter’s box. Jancarski subsequently grounded out, leaving the bases loaded and Maryland trailing 4-1.
“I think it could’ve gone either way,” Jancarski said.