ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College NCBA Division 1 team hosted Michigan State for a three-game series over the weekend at Nicolay Field. The Bulldogs claimed game two, 9-5, but fell in game one, 7-2, and dropped the series finale, 9-8, in extra innings.
In the opener, Michigan State jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Adrian responded with two runs in the bottom half of the inning. The Spartans added a run in the third and two more in the seventh to secure the 7-2 win. Adrian managed just one hit on the day, coming from Isaac Jurmu. Ayden Pate started on the mound, pitching three innings and allowing three earned runs on three hits, while Ryan Kempter tossed four innings, giving up two runs on three hits.
The Bulldogs bounced back in game two, plating four runs in the second inning and adding another in the third to take a 5-0 lead. Michigan State scored twice in the fourth, but Adrian answered with a run in the fifth and three more in the sixth. The Spartans rallied for three runs in the ninth but fell short, as Adrian held on for the 9-5 victory. The Bulldogs totaled 11 hits, led by Carson Meister with three, while Jesse Leyva and Logan Hoyt-Tracy each added two. Connor Reneau earned the win, throwing five innings and allowing two runs on one hit while striking out five.
In Sunday's series finale, Adrian and Michigan State battled into extra innings, ultimately going 11 frames. The Spartans surged ahead early, scoring seven runs in the first inning on their way to an 8-0 lead. Adrian chipped away with one run in the second and two runs in each of the fourth, fifth, and seventh innings before tying the game in the bottom of the ninth to force extras. Michigan State scored in the 11th, and the Bulldogs were unable to respond, falling 9-8. Adrian recorded eight hits in the contest, with Brock Hudik leading the way with three and Leyva adding two.
The Bulldogs return to action March 28-29 for a two-game series against Eastern Michigan. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
