ARLINGTON, Texas — Michigan closed out its appearance at the College Baseball Series with a 10–6 loss to Kansas State on Sunday night (Feb. 22) at Globe Life Field, dropping the Wolverines to 4–3 on the young season while the Wildcats improved to 6–1. The matchup turned into an offensive contest marked by momentum swings, early scoring bursts, and late attempts at a comeback that ultimately fell short.
Kansas State seized control early despite Michigan striking first. After a scoreless opening frame, the Wolverines ignited a seven-run second inning surge between both teams. Michigan jumped ahead 2–0 when Joe Longo doubled with two outs and later scored on a two-base defensive miscue, followed by an RBI double from Greg Pace Jr. However, Kansas State responded emphatically in the bottom half, plating five runs to flip the score and take command.
Michigan briefly narrowed the gap in the third. Cade Ladehoff led off with a double, and consecutive singles from Brayden Jefferis and Brenden Stressler brought him home. Still, the Wildcats continued to capitalize offensively, scoring four combined runs across the third and fourth innings to stretch their lead to 9–3.
The middle innings slowed offensively, with both teams managing only one baserunner apiece in the fifth and sixth. A bright spot for Michigan came on the mound when reliever Tyler Finkbeiner struck out the side in the sixth inning, recording the first three strikeouts of his collegiate career and stabilizing the pitching staff during a critical stretch.
Michigan mounted its strongest push in the seventh. Ladehoff singled, and Stressler followed with another hit that eventually allowed a run to score. Moments later, Colby Turner blasted a 411-foot home run to left field on a full count—his third homer in as many days to cut the deficit to three. Jack Laffitte added his first career hit later in the inning, but the rally ended with a groundout. Kansas State quickly countered with a solo homer in the bottom half, restoring breathing room at 10–6.
The Wolverines threatened again in the ninth by putting two runners on base to open the inning, yet they were unable to produce another run, sealing the result. Offensively, Ladehoff paced Michigan with two hits and two runs scored, while Stressler also recorded two hits. Turner and Stressler each drove in multiple runs. On the pitching side, Finkbeiner, Max Debiec, and Grant Bradley combined for a strong relief effort, allowing just one run on one hit across the final five innings while striking out four.
Michigan will look to rebound when it returns to action Friday (Feb. 27) with the opener of a three-game road series against San Diego Toreros baseball at Fowler Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT, and the game will stream on ESPN+.
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