Central Michigan Baseball Falls to Michigan in Nonconference Matchup

Chippewas unable to overcome early deficit in 6-4 loss at Ray Fisher Stadium

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a college baseball game, with the field, players, and sky broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.Central Michigan's comeback effort falls short against a talented Michigan squad in a nonconference baseball clash.Ann Arbor Today

Central Michigan University's baseball team fell to the University of Michigan 6-4 in a nonconference game on Tuesday. Michigan scored all of its runs in the first two innings, building a 6-0 lead, before the Chippewas mounted a late comeback attempt with two runs in the fourth inning and two more in the sixth. However, Central Michigan was unable to overcome the early deficit, despite a strong relief effort from its pitching staff.

Why it matters

This loss drops Central Michigan's overall record to 11-17 on the season. The Chippewas will look to bounce back as they return to Mid-American Conference play with a three-game series at Bowling Green starting on Friday, April 10. Nonconference games against Big Ten opponents like Michigan provide valuable experience for Central Michigan as they prepare for the remainder of their conference schedule.

The details

Michigan jumped out to a 6-0 lead, scoring two runs in the first inning on bases-loaded walks and then adding four more in the second on an RBI triple, a run-scoring wild pitch, and a two-run single. Central Michigan chipped away at the deficit, scoring two runs in the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly by Brady Krzciok and a bases-loaded walk by Zach Knowlton. The Chippewas added two more runs in the sixth on a two-run single by Drew Loikits. However, Central Michigan was unable to complete the comeback, managing only five hits against five Michigan pitchers.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Central Michigan will return to Mid-American Conference play with a three-game series at Bowling Green starting on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Max Hammond

Sophomore left-handed pitcher who made his first career start for Central Michigan and took the loss.

Liam Stumpf

Central Michigan pitcher who came on in relief.

Mitchell Tarnowski

Central Michigan pitcher who came on in relief and combined with several other relievers to shut out Michigan over the final 6 1/3 innings.

Brandon Mann

Michigan pitcher who earned the win, holding Central Michigan hitless over the final 3 1/3 frames.

Brady Krzciok

Central Michigan player who drove in one of the team's runs with a sacrifice fly.

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What’s next

Central Michigan will look to bounce back as they return to Mid-American Conference play with a three-game series at Bowling Green starting on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The takeaway

This nonconference loss to Michigan provides valuable experience for the Central Michigan baseball team as they prepare for the remainder of their conference schedule. Despite the early deficit, the Chippewas showed fight by chipping away at the lead, demonstrating their resilience and potential to compete against top opponents.