Michigan State went on a rout of the Toledo Rockets this past Wednesday, beating them 11-1. It’s the eleventh time this season the Spartans have scored double digits on their way to a win.
MSU improves to 21-16 overall, finally snapping a five game losing streak. While the Rockets season continues to get worse. Their record sits at 14-27 with the loss, increasing their losing skid to four in a row.
Michigan State has easily maintained their lead in the all-time series against Toledo. MSU is 16-3 against the Rockets — Wednesday’s defeat marks the ninth straight victory for the Spartans.
It was an 11-1 Victory for MSU over Toledo Wednesday! Spartans improve to 21-16 overall & will be at Northwestern this weekend. #GoGreen pic.twitter.com/9uaGyubTq6
— Michigan St Baseball (@statebaseball) April 26, 2017
Toledo got on the board first with a solo shot in the first inning by their best hitter Dalton Bollinger — giving the Rockets an early 1-0 lead (little did they know it would be their last).
The Spartans tied it up in the very same inning before going on to take the lead in the third inning thanks to RBI single by our very own Alex Troop. MSU led 2-1 at this point.
Late in the game Michigan State broke the game wide open with a seven run inning during the 8th. That would be all the runs scored in this one, leaving the score as is, 11-1 advantage Spartans.
Spartans Staying The Course
Here's today's lineup & defensive alignment w/ Caleb Sleeman making 1st career start today vs. Toledo. 1st pitch minutes away. #GoGreen pic.twitter.com/A8jsxETKpX
— Michigan St Baseball (@statebaseball) April 26, 2017
The Spartans sprayed 13 hits around McLane Stadium that afternoon and managed to plate 11 of them for runs. It was by far the most impressive outing fans had seen in quite some time.
Freshman outfielder, Bryce Kelley, had a monstrous day at the plate, finishing 4-for-5 with two RBI, and two runs scored. His one stolen base was just icing on the cake.
- Bryce Kelley (LF): .352 (31-88), 2 2B, 2 3B, 14 RBI
- Alex Troop (P/1B): .333 (24-72), 6 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 10 RBI
- Brandon Hughes (CF): .326 (45-138), 7 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 29 RBI
- Dan Chmielewski (RF): .301 (41-136), 9 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 21 RBI
Quick Takeaways
- Fans should take this win for what it is — Michigan State beat up on a team that is now 14-27 on the year.
- Until the Spartans are able to show fans and others they can play and win at a high level, my opinion of this team won’t change.
- They are still a middle of the road team at best until proven otherwise.
Next Series
The Spartans are right back on the road against Northwestern this weekend. It will be a three game series starting Friday, April 28th.