CMU baseball bounces back in midweek win over Oakland
Eleven hits highlight the Chippewas' performance at the plate
Central Michigan University redshirt junior infielder Bryson Webb catches the ball during the baseball game at Keilitz Field at Theunissen Stadium on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Webb had a team-leading three hits in the game. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
It was a return to form for the Central Michigan baseball team Tuesday, as the Chippewas conquered the Oakland Golden Grizzlies 6-4 for their 20th win of the season.
After a tough weekend at home, CMU’s batting returned to the spotlight in this midweek rematch against an in-state foe. Eleven hits, split between seven different players, were the key to victory.
Bryson Webb, the third baseman, led the offense with three hits and a run. Leadoff batter Cole Prout and center fielder Zach Knowlton also kept the team hot with two hits each.
“His at-bats have gotten a lot better, and today being on base three times was important,” head coach Jake Sabol said of Webb. “Like I’ve said all year, when he’s on base and going, it makes our offense that much better.”
CMU set the tone of the game quickly, loading the bases in the first. Pitching inconsistencies by the Golden Grizzlies paved the way for CMU to climb to a lead for most of the afternoon.
Oakland was unable to put any runs on the board for seven innings, thanks in part to relieving pitcher Mitchell Tarnowski. The redshirt freshman made an impact with four strikeouts during his three innings in the game.
“That was a big three innings,” Sabol said. “We didn’t have much left when it came to the bullpen today after these guys. So for him to go three and put up a bunch of zeros and get it to the next guy was important today."
Six pitchers took the mound for the Chippewas, who threw for eight strikeouts with eight hits.
Drama ensued in the late innings as Oakland followed a one-run eighth with three more in the ninth, including a home run past deep left field. CMU would not give in so easily and ended the game on a routine pop fly.
It was a pleasant afternoon for Central Michigan, but its focus now turns towards defying the odds to compete for a Mid-American Conference tournament appearance. This starts with a crucial weekend against Akron, their last home series of the 2026 season.
“Winning builds confidence, no matter how you play and how things go,” Sabol said. “We have tomorrow and Thursday to talk about Akron … they’re a different style of offense [than what] we’ve seen recently. They’re going to run a lot, they’re going to use the short game.”
Both teams sit in a similar position within the MAC standings, with CMU at 9-18 and Akron at 10-17 in conference play.
“They’re hovering right where we are. They want to come in here and play really well, too,” Sabol said.
Central Michigan can make a step towards deciding its postseason fate Friday at 3 p.m. Fans can also look forward to a pregame drum ceremony by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, the first event of the Homegrown Series, which celebrates traditions from the past and present of CMU baseball.
