Both Michigan State and Maryland entered game three tied 1-1 in the series and dead even at 22-22 in total runs scored. However, the two teams took very different paths to get there. Maryland dominated game one in an 18-10 slugfest, while the Spartans responded in a big way with a 12-4 win in game two.
That set the stage for a decisive rubber match—who was going to seize control of not just the game, but the series? With only two Big Ten series remaining for Michigan State, the urgency was clear: the time to act was now, not later.
The bats, which had been hot all series long, went completely nuclear in the game three finale. The Spartans powered their way to a commanding 13-1 victory, forcing the mercy rule to end the game after the top of the seventh inning.
VICTORY FOR MSU!!!Final score from Sunday's series finale:Michigan State 13, Maryland 1 (7 inn.)MSU celebrates Spartan Salute Day in dramatic fashion with run-rule rout!Spartans blast 3 HRs on the day in posting double-digit runs for 3rd-straight game!!#VictoryForMSU pic.twitter.com/9m12sf1x4Q
— Michigan State Baseball (@MSUBaseball) April 26, 2026
Eight of the nine hitters in the Michigan State lineup recorded at least one hit, highlighting a complete offensive performance. Parker Picot continued his extremely successful week, leading the way with three hits, one RBI, and one run scored.
The Spartans wasted no time setting the tone, going to the long ball three separate times—all within the first two innings.
Noah Bright got things started in the opening frame with a two-run blast. He finished the day with two hits and three RBIs, continuing to be a key contributor at the plate.
Michigan State erupted for nine runs, quickly building a 12-0 lead that effectively put the game out of reach. Ryan McKay delivered the biggest blow of the inning with a grand slam, part of a dominant two-hit, five-RBI performance.
Not to be outdone, nine-hole hitter Adam Broski launched a three-run home run, further piling on during the Spartans’ offensive surge.
The production didn’t stop there. Randy Setmour added two hits and scored twice, while Khamaree Thomas, Isaac Sturgess, and CJ Deckinga each chipped in with a hit. Sturgess and Deckinga both crossed the plate twice, while Thomas added a run of his own.
Dayton Murphy was the lone Spartan to go hitless, but with the lineup producing from top to bottom, there was little reason to dwell on it.
The 12 runs scored across the first two innings set the tone for what became a complete onslaught. From that point on, Michigan State never looked back. The offense handled its job early, and the pitching staff took care of the rest.
Carter Monke returned to the win column, improving to 4-4 on the season with a strong outing. Monke tossed five innings, allowing just four hits and one earned run. He finished with two strikeouts and did not issue a walk, lowering his ERA to 5.30.
Out of the bullpen, Logan Pikur and Nolan Higgins each delivered a clean inning to close things out. Both pitchers effectively shut down Maryland, preserving the dominant win.
With the 10-run rule coming into effect after seven innings, the Spartans secured both the game and the series. Michigan State improved to 10-14 in Big Ten play, while Maryland dropped to 6-15.
As it stands, Michigan State remains in 12th place in the Big Ten standings. If the season ended today, they would narrowly sneak into the Big Ten Tournament. The Spartans have 12 games remaining, with six of those coming in conference play.
Michigan State will host Big Ten powerhouse UCLA, a team that has been nothing short of dominant this season. The Bruins sit atop the conference standings with a perfect 21-0 Big Ten record and an impressive 39-3 mark overall.
The Spartans will have their hands full, needing to play their best baseball to even steal one game—let alone compete for a series win. Still, if this offensive breakout is any indication, Michigan State could carry some much-needed momentum into the weekend in East Lansing.