Spartans pitching imploded early, surrendering 18 runs and digging an insurmountable hole against Maryland. Offense fought back, but it wasn't enough.
Michigan State entered the series sitting 12th in the Big Ten, hosting the Terrapins of Maryland, who came in with three fewer wins than the Spartans in conference play but the same number of losses, placing them 14th in the standings.
It was there for the taking for Michigan State, who entered the game coming off a tough one-run loss on Wednesday to Notre Dame.
The Spartans needed a bounce-back win to get out ahead in the series against a team below them in the rankings, especially with both teams sitting squarely on the bubble for the Big Ten Tournament, where only the top 12 teams qualify this year.
Unfortunately, despite the urgency, Michigan State’s pitching dug a hole—then dug deeper, then just kept digging. They dug so far that no amount of offense could pull them out.
Maryland embarrassed Michigan State 18-10 in front of the home crowd in what was a dismal showing from the very beginning.
In the first inning, starting pitcher JD Greely allowed three earned runs. Then, before recording a single out in the second inning, he allowed the bases to load—and all three runners came around to score. Greely finished the outing allowing six earned runs on two hits, two walks, two hit batters, and a wild pitch. He faced nine batters, and the two hits he allowed were both home runs.
Greely picked up his second loss of the season in an outing he’ll want to be a goldfish about and forget immediately.
Though Greely may have been the first—and the worst—don’t think for a second the rest of Michigan State’s pitching staff came ready to play. Because they didn’t. Every pitcher who stepped on the mound allowed at least one earned run. Those pitchers being Greely (6), Crane (2), Rudolph (4), Everson (3), Klug (2) and Chambers (1).
In total, six Spartan pitchers combined to allow 17 hits and 18 runs, along with five walks and six hit batters, while facing 55 total batters. It was an abysmal performance in a game that could have had major implications in the Big Ten standings.
Offensively, Michigan State did throw everything they had at Maryland, scoring 10 runs on 12 hits and three walks but everything they had was not enough for the lack of pitching.
The Spartans consistently made solid contact. While no ball left the yard, they racked up five doubles. Parker Picot led the way with two, while Isaac Sturgess, Noah Bright, and CJ Deckinga each added one of their own.
Bright was the brightest spot in the lineup, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs, two runs scored, and a walk. He also shined defensively, recording 10 putouts to lead the team.
Sturgess, Deckinga, and Picot each added multi-hit performances as well.
With the loss, Michigan State drops to 14-25 overall and 8-14 in Big Ten play. Maryland improves to 6-13 in conference play. The two teams will meet again Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EST in East Lansing for the second game of the three-game series.