- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Wolverine Today
By the People, for the People
Michigan Capitalizes on Scoring Chances, Beats Michigan State
Wolverines take advantage of opportunities, while Spartans leave multiple runners stranded
Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:35am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
In a close baseball matchup between Michigan and Michigan State, the Wolverines were able to capitalize on their scoring chances, while the Spartans struggled to bring home runners, leaving 10 men on base throughout the game. Michigan's pitching staff helped limit Michigan State to just six hits, while the Wolverines recorded eight hits. Despite the Spartans drawing five walks, they were unable to convert those opportunities into runs, ultimately falling to Michigan by a score of two runs.
Why it matters
This game highlights the importance of converting scoring opportunities, especially in close, competitive matchups between in-state rivals. Michigan's ability to bring home runners when it mattered most proved to be the difference, while Michigan State's inability to capitalize on their chances ultimately cost them the victory.
The details
Michigan junior shortstop Drew Culbertson hit a ground ball that turned into a double play in the second inning, allowing junior first baseman Matthew Ossenfort to score. Meanwhile, Michigan State left 10 runners on base, including a bases-loaded situation in the seventh inning where they failed to bring any runners home. In the ninth inning, the Spartans had two runners in scoring position but were unable to push them across the plate.
- In the second inning, Culbertson's ground ball double play allowed Ossenfort to score.
- In the seventh inning, Michigan State left the bases loaded without scoring any runs.
- In the ninth inning, Michigan State had two runners in scoring position but could not bring them home.
The players
Drew Culbertson
A junior shortstop for the Michigan Wolverines baseball team.
Matthew Ossenfort
A junior first baseman for the Michigan Wolverines baseball team.
Gavin DeVooght
A junior right-handed pitcher for the Michigan Wolverines baseball team.
CJ Deckinga
The third baseman for the Michigan State Spartans baseball team.
Grant Bradley
A sophomore right-handed pitcher for the Michigan Wolverines baseball team.
What they’re saying
“We've been in close games pretty much all season, save two or three. So it's all about not getting caught up in what's on base, who is on base, or what the score is.”
— Tracy Smith, Wolverines coach
“I just try to keep that rolling. Getting guys out, doing my job, and just making pitches and letting the defense work.”
— Grant Bradley, Sophomore right-handed pitcher
What’s next
The two teams will meet again later in the season for another matchup, with both looking to gain an edge in the rivalry.
The takeaway
This game showcased the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities, as Michigan's ability to bring home runners proved to be the difference against their in-state rival Michigan State. The Spartans' inability to convert their chances, leaving 10 men on base, ultimately cost them the victory.
