Spartans Upset No. 8 Louisville in Season Opener

Michigan State commenced its 2026 baseball season with a remarkable 4-3 victory over the No. 8 ranked Louisville Cardinals. This win is particularly noteworthy as Louisville reached the College World Series semifinals last season, while Michigan State finished lower in the Big Ten conference. The decisive moment arrived in the top of the eighth inning when senior first baseman Randy Seymour launched a solo home run to left field, breaking a 3-3 tie.

Earlier in the game, redshirt sophomore catcher Adam Broski marked his first career home run in the seventh inning. Randy Seymour also played a crucial role in the fifth inning, delivering a two-run single that gave the Spartans a lead. On the mound, opening day starter Aidan Donovan provided a strong performance, allowing just one run over five innings, despite filling the shoes of the departed Big Ten Pitcher of the Year.

Closer Tommy Szczepanski earned the save by shutting down Louisville in the late innings. He successfully stranded inherited runners in both the eighth and ninth innings, preserving the Spartans' lead. Michigan State's pitching staff demonstrated resilience, consistently escaping jams and holding Louisville to a .133 batting average with runners in scoring position across the game.