Over the weekend Michigan State played in the Dairy Queen Classic this weekend where they faced Washington, UCLA, and Arizona.

It was the Big Ten / Pac-12 challenge.

The Spartans opened the weekend against Washington where they would lose a 4-3 extra innings battle. This would unfortunately ruin their two game winning streak and slow down their momentum. It was the Spartans fifth one run loss this season (still can’t find a way to close teams out consistently).

Riley McCauley had himself a day, pitching 6.0 innings, giving up 0 runs, striking out five batters, and allowing five hits. Once again, he remained spectacular on the mound.

During the second day of the Big Ten / Pac-12 Challenge the Spartans went up against No. 11 UCLA. Michigan State would end up losing this game as well, 4-1.

Ethan Landon would take the mound against the Bruins. He surrendered all four runs along with seven hits during his six innings of action. He’s started the season 0-2 but has 21 strikeouts on the year.

During the finale Michigan State would come back in the bottom of the ninth to win their only game of the weekend by a single run against Arizona. With the bases loaded Chad Roskelly came up to bat and drove the winning run home, sealing the victory for MSU.

With the win the Spartans finished the weekend with an overall record of 3-7. While finishing the tournament 1-2.

This time around it was Mason Erla who put on another great pitching performance. Through six innings of work he allowed two runs, three hits and two strikeouts before Mike Mokma came in relief.

Spartans Staying The Course

As I mentioned last week I will be switching this part of the recaps up on a week to week basis. So this time around it’s about the Spartan offense.

I’d like to give a big shout out to our very own Justin Antoncic for making the DQ Classic all Tournament team. He hit .462 throughout the challenge with two doubles and his first home run as a Spartan.

Here’s Michigan State’s top hitters this season -

• Ryan King (SS): .345 (10-29), 1 2B, 1 Run
• Justin Antoncic (CF): .300 (9-30), 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI
• Bryce Kelley (LF): .240 (6-25), 2 RBI, 4 SB
• Dan Chmielewski (RF): .222 (4-18), 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 SB

Final Takeaways

• The Spartans did exactly how I thought they would this weekend, the one time I feel bad about being right.
• The MSU pitching staff came up HUGE during this tournament but the Spartans were unable to complete the extra innings victory against Washington, were completely outmatched against UCLA and very nearly came up short against Arizona before a timely ninth inning comeback saved them.
• Michigan State has the potential to be a good baseball team (despite their record early on). If they find their groove before conference play starts it’s possible they make a run. Or I’m completely wrong and they will continue to play this way all year.

Next Series

The Spartans will continue playing baseball starting this Wednesday when they travel to Greenville, South Carolina where they will face Clemson.