Pitching struggles as CMU baseball is swept by Eastern Michigan
The Chippewas struggle to find victory against the conference opponent
Central Michigan University freshman pitcher Cameron Niehaus throws a pitch during the baseball game at Keilitz Field at Theunissen Stadium on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
A weekend in Ypsilanti gave the Central Michigan baseball team some tough pills to swallow, suffering a series sweep against in-state rival Eastern Michigan and falling to 9-15 overall and 3-9 in the Mid-American Conference.
The Chippewas put a week at home behind them, getting back on the road in hopes of finding success against an Eagles team that had previously struggled throughout the year. Instead, CMU was met with two walk-off losses, along with a third game that quickly fell out of their reach.
Game One
Central Michigan is no stranger to long, grueling matchups this year, and this 15-inning slugfest was no different. However, it ended in disappointment for the squad from Mount Pleasant, and a sacrifice fly by EMU sent the Chippewas packing.
Pitching struggled during the afternoon, with starter Tyson Potts giving up eight runs on twelve hits, as well as Gavin Moczydlowsky surrendering three singles in the 15th to set up the game-winning blow.
However, the bats were active during the day for CMU, with Harrison Bowman leading the team with three hits, plus a two-run triple by Brady Krzciok in the top of the sixth. A four-run ninth tied the game at 8-8, ultimately sending the showdown to the extras.
Game Two
It was all Central Michigan early on, and the Chippewas stormed their way to a 9-0 lead in the second inning. This did not last the entire game however, with EMU eventually winning this faceoff 12-11 in the bottom of the ninth.
This was the second walk-off in as many days, this time with a two-RBI double by Eastern Michigan’s Ty Stecko. What started as an exciting day for Central Michigan quickly shifted into a head-scratching collapse, and the Eagles found a groove with five runs in both the second and sixth innings.
CMU only got on the board once more after its early explosion, thanks to a two-run home run by left fielder Joey Milto in the fifth.
Game Three
By the end of the third inning, Central Michigan found itself in a 10-1 hole. A grand slam by EMU made a statement early in the day, and CMU was unable to catch up, falling 13-7.
Although it was a disappointing outing, Bowman, Krzciok and catcher Logan Keilen each logged a home run to add to their season totals. Bowman remains the leader of the team in batting, with a .350 average in his 24 starts, along with 36 hits and eight total homers.
Central Michigan will look to bounce back in a rematch against in-state opponent Michigan State after its 19-8 loss on March 24. The Chippewas will then return home against rival Western Michigan for a three-game series starting Thursday.
