Broncos Offense Sparks Late, Leads to Series Opening Win Against Visiting Minutemen

Western Michigan takes series opener over UMass with late offensive surge

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:20am

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The Western Michigan Broncos baseball team defeated the visiting UMass Minutemen 6-2 in the series opener on Friday. Broncos starting pitcher Zach Vriesenga pitched 6.0 strong innings, allowing just one run, and Mark Mennecke drove in three runs to lead the Broncos' offense. Western Michigan broke a 1-1 tie in the 6th inning and added three more runs late to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This win gives the Broncos an early advantage in the series against the Minutemen and keeps them in contention in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) standings. The Broncos' offense showing life in the late innings is an encouraging sign as they look to make a push for the postseason.

The details

Western Michigan starting pitcher Zach Vriesenga pitched 6.0 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 2 hits while striking out 4 batters. The game was tied 1-1 until the 6th inning, when Mark Mennecke doubled to drive in 2 runs and give the Broncos a 3-1 lead. UMass scored 1 run in the 8th to make it 3-2, but the Broncos added 3 more insurance runs in the 8th to seal the victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Zach Vriesenga

Western Michigan starting pitcher who pitched 6.0 strong innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits and striking out 4.

Mark Mennecke

Western Michigan batter who drove in 3 runs, including a go-ahead 2-run double in the 6th inning.

Turner Doran

Western Michigan relief pitcher who earned the save, pitching a scoreless 9th inning.

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What they’re saying

“Our offense really came alive late in the game to give us the win. Zach pitched great and our bullpen did a nice job closing it out.”

— Western Michigan Head Coach

What’s next

The two teams will continue their series on Saturday with the second game.

The takeaway

This was an important series-opening win for the Western Michigan Broncos as they look to make a push for the postseason. Their starting pitching and timely hitting proved to be the difference in this game.