Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's baseball team faced a late defeat against Minnesota in the final game of their Big Ten Conference weekend series on Sunday at Siebert Field. Minnesota's Drew Berkland hit a decisive three-run walk-off home run, clinching the series for the Gophers. The Spartans had previously won Friday's opener, but Minnesota evened the series with a win on Saturday.

The loss ended Michigan State's streak of winning three consecutive Big Ten weekend series. MSU now holds a 10-11 record in conference play and is 22-25 overall. Meanwhile, Minnesota improved to 23-22 overall and 9-12 in conference competition.

Key performances for MSU included junior outfielder Nick Williams, who went 3-for-4 with three doubles, scoring two runs and driving in one. Sophomore infielder Randy Seymour was 3-for-6 with two RBIs and a run scored. Freshman infielder Ryan McKay hit his second home run of the weekend, finishing 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Junior designated hitter Noah Bright contributed with a solo home run in the second inning, while senior catcher Sam Thompson also had two hits and both players drove in two runs each. Senior outfielder Greg Ziegler added to the offense with a three-run homer in the fourth inning.

On the mound, sophomore Tommy Szczepanski started for MSU before being relieved by senior Harrison Cook, freshman Gavin Moczydlowsky, freshman Logan Pikur, and senior Aaron Mishoulam.

Despite holding Minnesota scoreless in the first inning, Michigan State took an early lead with Bright's solo home run. However, Minnesota quickly responded with two runs in their half of the second inning to take a 2-1 lead. The Spartans then scored consistently from the second through sixth innings to build a significant lead.

Minnesota mounted their comeback with one run in the sixth inning and another in the seventh before scoring six runs in the eighth and five more in the ninth to secure their victory.

Michigan State will return to McLane Stadium at Kobs Field for its final four games of the regular season. They will face Eastern Michigan on Tuesday before hosting Nebraska for a three-game series from Thursday to Saturday. Saturday's game will also serve as Senior Day for MSU.

Fans can follow Michigan State baseball through various platforms available on MSUSpartans.com and purchase individual game tickets through the Spartan Ticket Office.