
The biggest question facing every WNBA team in training camp
WNBA training camps open with key questions for each team.
Michigan State lost to Michigan 6ā4 in game two of the Big Ten series, marking another game where they let a lead slip. The Spartans now sit at 11ā21 overall and 5ā12 in conference play, remaining outside the Big Ten Tournament picture.
Spartans Let Another Lead Slip, Fall to Michigan 6ā4 in Game Two
Michigan State struck first and pushed late, but another blown lead proved costly as the Spartans fell 6ā4 to in-state rival Michigan in game two of the Big Ten series at Jeff Ishbia Field at McLane Stadium.
With the loss, the Spartans drop to 11ā21 overall and 5ā12 in Big Ten play, sitting 14th in the conference standingsāstill outside the Big Ten Tournament picture if the season ended today.
In many ways, it was a stark contrast to yesterdayās game. This time, starting pitcher Carter Monke could not contain the Wolverinesā offense when it mattered most. Monke falls to 3ā3 on the season after pitching three innings, allowing five runs on nine hits and one walk. He did record four strikeouts, but Michigan broke things open in a decisive third inning.
Through the first two innings, Monke looked in control. He allowed just one hit, one walk, and one hit-by-pitch, holding the Wolverines scoreless and keeping Michigan State in a good early position. But the third inning quickly unraveledāand in dramatic fashion.
The inning had the feel of a horror show, as Michigan sent nine hitters to the plate and plated five runs. Monke surrendered five singles, a double, and a three-run home run to Greg Pace Jr., his second of the series. The blast went the opposite way and carried all the way to the Red Cedar River, putting a heavy exclamation point on the inning.
To their credit, the Spartans did manage to limit even more damage with a strong defensive play, throwing out a runner at home. Still, the damage had already been done, and the momentum had fully shifted.
Michigan added what would be its sixth and final run in the top of the fourth inning. Outside of the third-inning collapse, however, the Spartansā pitching staff settled in well, holding the Wolverines in check and giving Michigan State a chance to climb back into the game.
Offensively, MSU followed a familiar scriptājumping out to an early lead.
After going quietly in the first inning, the Spartans broke through in the second. Nick Williams delivered a single to right-center field, scoring Ryan McKay to give Michigan State a 1ā0 advantage.
Unfortunately, that would be the only offense the Spartans could generate for several innings, as Michiganās pitching kept them largely in check. Still, MSU didnāt go down without a fight.
In the bottom of the sixth, Noah Bright collected his second hit of the day to lead off the inning. He eventually came around to score on a fielderās choice by Randy Seymour, trimming the deficit to 6ā2.
The Spartans continued to chip away in the seventh. Khamaree Thomas and Parker Picot each recorded doubles, with Picot driving in Thomas to make it a 6ā3 game and bring MSU within striking distance.
Then, in the eighth, the comeback effort gained a bit more life. Randy Seymour reached on a fielderās choice, and Ryan McKay came through againāthis time with a double that brought Seymour home and cut the deficit to 6ā4.
Despite the late push, the early avalancheāparticularly the third inningāproved too much to overcome. Michigan Stateās rally ultimately fell short, sending Spartans fans home disappointed for the second straight day.
The Spartans will now look to salvage the series and avoid the sweep when they return to the field Sunday at 1 p.m. EST.
The final score was Michigan State 4, Michigan 6.
In game two, Michigan State struggled to maintain their lead, contrasting with their performance in game one where they likely held onto their advantage.
Michigan State's record in the Big Ten is now 5ā12, placing them 14th in the conference standings.
Carter Monke was the starting pitcher for Michigan State in game two.

WNBA training camps open with key questions for each team.

Check out the top 10 plays from Victor Wembanyama's record-setting season!

NBA 2026 Awards: Key Ballot Insights from Bontemps

10 NFL draft prospects to watch for fantasy football this year!

Get ready for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs with our mega-preview of all 16 teams!

Spring football games feature 23 Power 4 matchups this weekend, with the ACC hosting eight and the SEC seven. Notable teams include Virginia Tech under new coach James Franklin and Michigan led by Kyle Whittingham.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.