Spartans rally late after a devastating third-inning collapse, but can't erase Michigan's lead, falling 6-4.
Michigan State struck first and pushed late, but another blown lead proved costly as the Spartans fell 6–4 to in-state rival Michigan in game two of the Big Ten series at Jeff Ishbia Field at McLane Stadium.
With the loss, the Spartans drop to 11–21 overall and 5–12 in Big Ten play, sitting 14th in the conference standings—still outside the Big Ten Tournament picture if the season ended today.
In many ways, it was a stark contrast to yesterday’s game. This time, starting pitcher Carter Monke could not contain the Wolverines’ offense when it mattered most. Monke falls to 3–3 on the season after pitching three innings, allowing five runs on nine hits and one walk. He did record four strikeouts, but Michigan broke things open in a decisive third inning.
Through the first two innings, Monke looked in control. He allowed just one hit, one walk, and one hit-by-pitch, holding the Wolverines scoreless and keeping Michigan State in a good early position. But the third inning quickly unraveled—and in dramatic fashion.
The inning had the feel of a horror show, as Michigan sent nine hitters to the plate and plated five runs. Monke surrendered five singles, a double, and a three-run home run to Greg Pace Jr., his second of the series. The blast went the opposite way and carried all the way to the Red Cedar River, putting a heavy exclamation point on the inning.
To their credit, the Spartans did manage to limit even more damage with a strong defensive play, throwing out a runner at home. Still, the damage had already been done, and the momentum had fully shifted.
Michigan added what would be its sixth and final run in the top of the fourth inning. Outside of the third-inning collapse, however, the Spartans’ pitching staff settled in well, holding the Wolverines in check and giving Michigan State a chance to climb back into the game.
Offensively, MSU followed a familiar script—jumping out to an early lead.
After going quietly in the first inning, the Spartans broke through in the second. Nick Williams delivered a single to right-center field, scoring Ryan McKay to give Michigan State a 1–0 advantage.
Unfortunately, that would be the only offense the Spartans could generate for several innings, as Michigan’s pitching kept them largely in check. Still, MSU didn’t go down without a fight.
In the bottom of the sixth, Noah Bright collected his second hit of the day to lead off the inning. He eventually came around to score on a fielder’s choice by Randy Seymour, trimming the deficit to 6–2.
The Spartans continued to chip away in the seventh. Khamaree Thomas and Parker Picot each recorded doubles, with Picot driving in Thomas to make it a 6–3 game and bring MSU within striking distance.
Then, in the eighth, the comeback effort gained a bit more life. Randy Seymour reached on a fielder’s choice, and Ryan McKay came through again—this time with a double that brought Seymour home and cut the deficit to 6–4.
Despite the late push, the early avalanche—particularly the third inning—proved too much to overcome. Michigan State’s rally ultimately fell short, sending Spartans fans home disappointed for the second straight day.
The Spartans will now look to salvage the series and avoid the sweep when they return to the field Sunday at 1 p.m. EST.