Sunday, October 6, 2024

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

Sports | Baseball

BASEBALL

Pitching success drives Lugnuts

Andrew Fifer
June 26, 2002

The Lansing Lugnuts’ pitching staff ranks near the top of the Midwest League, even with the loss of four quality pitchers.Angel Guzman, Mark Carter, Adam Wynegar, and Eric Brown have taken their collective 14-5 record to the Single A Daytona Cubs, but the Lugnuts (3-2 second half, 40-34 overall) still hold a 3.20 ERA this season - third best in the Midwest League.The task of making up for those lost pitchers goes to pitching coach Mike Anderson, in his second year with the Lugnuts.It might seem losing pitchers of that caliber would be an enormous burden on the team, but Anderson said it’s just a part of the minor league system.“That’s what it’s all about,” Anderson said.

BASEBALL

All-Star festivities entertain community

Andrew Fifer
June 19, 2002

Lansing - The 2002 Midwest League All-Star Game attracted everybody and their mother to Oldsmobile Park Tuesday night. The annual event, which showcased 63 of the top prospects in the league this year, was much more than a game. As attendants entered they were given inflatable plastic noisemakers to create an enthusiastic environment and the recipients wasted little time putting them to use. Prior to the summer classic, fans swarmed the All Stars to capture their autographs on baseballs, baseball caps and programs. Many people attended to take in the game, but just as many were at the park to take in at least one of the side attractions. Lansing native Shawn Gilmore, who tries to take in at least five Lugnuts’ games a season, was one of the many individuals taking part in pregame festivities. Although he didn’t know any of the players from the Kane County Cougars or Beloit Snappers, he was more than eager to get their signatures.

BASEBALL

Lugnuts come up with win to save face in series

Andrew Fifer
June 5, 2002

Lansing - The Lugnuts got a strong pitching performance and some much needed hitting to avoid being swept for the first time this season.After losing the first three games of the series by a combined score of 29-4, Lansing (28-29) defeated Peoria 7-2 Tuesday at Oldsmobile Park, 505 E.

BASEBALL

Spartans survive to advance to doubleheader in Big Ten Tournament

Andrew Fifer
May 24, 2002

Facing elimination, the MSU baseball team scored in each of the first six innings Thursday, including a seven-run third to extend its season. In a slugfest, the Spartans (37-18) defeated Iowa 13-9 in day two of the Big Ten Tournament at Siebert Field in Minneapolis. MSU manager Ted Mahan said weather, more than bad pitching, contributed to the high scoring affair. “The weather was conducive today,” he said.

BASEBALL

Wildcats claw past Spartans

Andrew Fifer
May 23, 2002

Despite pitching a shutout through seven innings, the MSU baseball team fell 4-2 against Northwestern in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.Playing at Siebert Field in Minneapolis, the No.

BASEBALL

Lugnuts take series with South Bend

Andrew Fifer
May 20, 2002

Lansing - Despite giving up a first-inning home run Saturday night, the Lansing Lugnuts surged to a 3-1 win against South Bend.Lugnuts right-hander Angel Guzman (5-2) gave up the solo shot to Silver Hawks second baseman Scott Hairston early, but only allowed two more hits in seven innings of work.“From the beginning of the game, I tried to put the ball down,” Guzman said.

BASEBALL

Spartans fall at home to Falcons

Ben Landes
May 16, 2002

The last home game of the season ended in disappointment for the MSU baseball team.The Spartans (32-17 overall, 12-12 Big Ten) lost 7-6 to the Bowling Green Falcons (27-20) on Wednesday at Kobs Field.MSU entered the sixth inning up 6-2, then proceeded to give up back-to-back home runs to tie the game.

BASEBALL

Rain benches Spartan sluggers

Eric Mckinney
May 13, 2002

The MSU baseball team’s biggest challenge this weekend at Oldsmobile park was Mother Nature.The Spartans (31-16 overall, 12-12 Big Ten) managed to play just two of the four-game series with Ohio State (30-16-1, 16-9) as the rain kept both teams off the field.MSU won 12-5 Friday, then lost 6-4 Saturday.

BASEBALL

Win at Oldsmobile Park keeps Spartans in tie for second

Eric Mckinney
May 11, 2002

Lansing - Hosting the Ohio State Buckeyes, the MSU baseball team shined Friday night under the lights at Oldsmobile Park. The 12-5 win keeps the Spartans (31-15 overall, 12-11 Big Ten) in a tie with Indiana (30-15, 12-11) for third place in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers defeated Purdue (21-26, 11-14) Friday night in West Lafayette,15-5 . Ohio State (29-16, 15-9) ranks second in the conference, but MSU showed no fear to start the four-game series. Back-to-back home runs from junior right fielder Bob Malek and senior center fielder Chris McCuiston led to a five-run second inning, and a 6-1 lead. With two outs and two on, Malek had no doubt his blast was headed over the wall in right field.

BASEBALL

Spartans split doubleheader with Illinois, look ahead to Sunday

Eric Mckinney
May 4, 2002

The MSU baseball team split a Saturday doubleheader against Illinois at Kobs Field. The Spartans (29-13 overall, 11-10 Big Ten) won game one 3-2, then fell to the Fighting Illini (26-13, 10-11) 8-4 in game two. MSU entered the doubleheader averaging more than eight runs a ballgame, but failed to score a combined eight runs on the day. The Split came after Illinois took Friday’s series opener 3-2. “We haven’t been getting the run support we usually do lately,” senior pitcher Nick Bates said.

BASEBALL

Diminutive Braun excels on diamond

Chris Mackinder
April 26, 2002

Opposing catchers may joke about his size when he steps up to the plate, but the jokes stop once he swings the bat.Despite his 5-foot-9, 155-pound frame, Spartan second baseman Charlie Braun has become a dynamic player, helping MSU (27-9 overall, 9-6 Big Ten) stay among the Big Ten’s elite.“He’s being the player that is a thorn in the other team’s side,” Spartan hitting coach Cory Mee said.

BASEBALL

Oldsmobile welcomes Spartan sluggers tonight

Chris Mackinder
April 24, 2002

The MSU baseball team will have revenge on the mind tonight at Oldsmobile Park.The Spartans (26-9 overall, 9-6 Big Ten) will travel to Lansing for the first time this season to host Central Michigan, which defeated MSU both times the two teams faced off last season.

BASEBALL

Injury wont keep catcher out all season

Chris Mackinder
April 23, 2002

As the MSU baseball team enters the second half of the Big Ten season, one of its most productive weapons is battling an injury.Junior catcher Brady Burrill, who leads the Spartans with a .444 batting average, took a foul ball off his left hand in Friday’s 11-0 win against Michigan.Burrill was forced to watch the remaining three games of the series from the bench, with his catching hand wrapped in ice.“We’re definitely better with Brady catching, from a leadership and experience standpoint,” Spartan manager Ted Mahan said.