Michigan Baseball Explores Pitching Depth in Narrow Win Over Western Michigan

Wolverines give new pitchers valuable experience in midweek matchup

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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In their home opener against Western Michigan, the Michigan baseball team used a variety of pitchers to explore its pitching depth, with several new faces getting significant playing time on the mound. The Wolverines narrowly defeated the Broncos 3-2, with the game serving as an important opportunity to evaluate potential midweek starters and relievers.

Why it matters

Developing a deep and versatile pitching staff is crucial for Michigan as it aims to compete in the Big Ten and make a run in the NCAA tournament. The midweek matchup against Western Michigan allowed the Wolverines to get valuable in-game experience for pitchers who had seen limited action so far this season.

The details

Michigan started sophomore right-hander Preston Barr, who had only pitched 0.1 innings this season. Barr struggled early, allowing a run in the first inning and then loading the bases in the second before being replaced by sophomore Grant Bradley. Bradley settled in but also hit several batters, before freshman Slade Moore and experienced relievers Max Debiec and Gavin DeVooght closed out the narrow 3-2 victory for the Wolverines.

  • Michigan hosted Western Michigan on March 11, 2026 at Ray Fisher Stadium.
  • Barr started the game for Michigan and pitched the first two innings.
  • Bradley, Moore, Debiec, and DeVooght all saw significant action on the mound for the Wolverines.

The players

Preston Barr

A sophomore right-handed pitcher for the Michigan Wolverines baseball team.

Grant Bradley

A sophomore right-handed pitcher for the Michigan Wolverines baseball team.

Slade Moore

A freshman left-handed pitcher for the Michigan Wolverines baseball team.

Max Debiec

A senior right-handed pitcher and experienced reliever for the Michigan Wolverines baseball team.

Gavin DeVooght

A junior right-handed pitcher and experienced reliever for the Michigan Wolverines baseball team.

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What they’re saying

“A midweek role is a very important role. Because ideally you want to save your weekend guys.”

— Tracy Smith, Michigan baseball coach (michigandaily.com)

“I thought Grant Bradley was really sharp in taking over that game. It was nice to see Slade get his first career win. (He) did a good job.”

— Tracy Smith, Michigan baseball coach (michigandaily.com)

What’s next

The Wolverines will look to build on this midweek experience as they prepare for their next weekend series against a Big Ten opponent.

The takeaway

Michigan's ability to give valuable in-game reps to a variety of pitchers in a low-stakes midweek matchup will pay dividends as the Wolverines work to develop a deep and versatile pitching staff for the remainder of the season.