Bensalem Grad Dean Pitching Big In The Big Ten

COLLEGE PARK, MD - Bensalem High grad Nick Dean appears to have found his groove on the mound for the Maryland Terrapins.

On April 30, the sophomore righty pitched seven strong innings, giving up just four hits, one earned run and striking out eight in a 12-4 win over Minnesota. Dean earned the victory, improving to 2-0 after a third straight quality start for the Terrapins, who were 19-13 after a weekend sweep of the Gophers.

With regular Friday starter Sean Burke given an extra day of rest, it was up to Dean to help ensure the Terrapins got off to a good start in the series. And the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder came through.

"I think I've been feeling a lot more confident, not second guessing any of my pitches that I'm throwing," Dean said about recent success. "I know exactly where I need to throw them to be successful, and I'm just letting them put the ball in play for the guys (to make plays) behind me."

Dean's scoreless first inning helped set the tone, according to Maryland manager Rob Vaughn, and then the Terrapins bats took over. Maryland was up 8-3 after the third inning.

"Deano did a really great job in the top of the first, just attacked hitters, was really good," Vaughn said.

With a big lead, Dean said he was able to settle down and not try to be too perfect.

"Instead of nipping the corner, I was just going right at guys, making them earn it, let them put the ball in play," Dean said. "There was no need to be too pretty. It was much more comfortable (having a lead)."

It was Dean's sixth start of the season, but his second straight win. Entering this weekend's series at Illinois, Dean's 3.51 ERA is the best of any starter on the Maryland staff.

Six days before facing the Gophers, Dean also got early support, as the Terrapins opened up a 3-0 first-inning lead in Iowa City en route to an 8-6 win. Dean went six innings, giving up eight hits and two earned run and striking out six.

This came on heels of Dean's fine start on April 17 against Ohio State, when he pitched eight innings of four-hit ball and struck out eight. However, Dean got a no-decision in the Terrapins' 5-4 win.

In high school, Dean helped lead the Bensalem Owls to a district championship his junior year, going 6-2, with a 1.16 ERA and striking out 60 in 48.3 innings. He missed time his senior year while recovering from injury.