It wasn't a day the Spartans will want to remember for the way they played, but Tuesday's end result was acceptable.
In a sloppy slugfest, it was MSU sophomore second baseman Travis Gulick that stole the show, helping his team to a 13-12 victory over Wayne State.
The Spartans and Warriors combined for 25 runs, 20 hits, 10 errors, 19 runners left on base and 10 different pitchers.
"We sure were not ready to play today," MSU manager Ted Mahan said. "But it was a good comeback. I mean, we had seven errors, we walked eight and we hit a batter. If we played like we should, it would have been 10-2."
The Spartans (10-20 overall, 3-7 Big Ten) entered the bottom of the ninth trailing 12-10.
Junior third baseman James Moreno led off the inning with a bunt single followed by a single by sophomore right fielder Jim Deliz. Then, the Warriors (14-12) pretty much handed the Spartans the game.
A walk to sophomore catcher Eric Morris loaded the bases, and then freshman shortstop Alan Cattrysse was awarded first base after catcher interference on a swing.
Senior center fielder Brett Wattles walked to tie the score, and then senior second baseman Charlie Braun guided a single past a short infield to win the game.
"It was just a run-of-the-mill hit," Braun said. "I kind of struggled at the plate today but it was real nice to get the game-winner."
Braun's game-winning hit didn't shift the spotlight from Gulick's stellar day. The East Lansing native finished 3-for-3 on the day with two home runs (both cleared the scoreboard in left field), a triple, a pair of walks, four RBIs and three runs scored.
"It was just one of those good days for me," Gulick said. "I was seeing the ball well and I just let it go."
Jeremy Dow made his collegiate debut for MSU, but it wasn't one to be remembered.
The freshman right-hander made his first start for the Spartans, surrendering five earned runs, four hits, walking three and hitting a batter in just 1 1/3 innings of work.
"We thought it was a lesser school - thought it would be an easy game - but they gave us a fight," Gulick said. "But it shows good character for us coming back."
The Spartans return to action at 6 p.m. today when they host Western Michigan at Oldsmobile Park, 505 E. Michigan Ave.
