COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Old Dominion closer Brad Gero hit batters with the bases loaded in the ninth to bring home the tying and winning runs in Maryland's 4-3 victory at the NCAA tournament's Columbia Regional on Friday.
The Terps (37-21) trailed 3-1 entering the final inning when Charlie White's RBI single started the three-run rally. Gero then loaded the bases with a walk to LaMonte Wade and hit Brandon Lowe with a pitch to make it 3-all. With the very next pitch, Gero plunked Maryland third baseman Jose Cuas and touched off a celebration as the Terps won in their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1971.
Maryland will take on either South Carolina or Campbell in the winner's bracket Saturday. Old Dominion plays an elimination game Saturday in its first NCAA tournament trip since 2000.
Old Dominion (36-25) built a 3-0 lead through seven innings before Maryland's comeback.
