UMass Baseball Splits Doubleheader with Central Michigan
The Minutemen opened the season’s final stretch with a 13‑9 win over Central Michigan, a game that saw five different hitters each launch a home run and a dramatic deep‑left‑field catch by Ty Fox preserving the lead.
Vance Bonior, Gavin O'Brien, Ty Fox, Matt Travisano and Jack Beverly all contributed homers, while Bonior and O'Brien each added three runs. Adam Merritt earned the winning decision and reliever Liam Strumpf closed out the game.
Central Michigan answered in the nightcap with a 14‑10 victory, highlighted by a solo homer in the opening frame and a seven‑run fifth inning that turned a 3‑3 tie into a 10‑3 deficit.
UMass rallied in the fifth, trimming the gap to three, but the Chippewas pulled away again. Kolben’s career‑high five RBI and three‑hit performance anchored the Minutemen, though they fell short.
The loss dropped Massachusetts to an 18‑29 overall record and a 13‑20 mark in conference play, while Central Michigan finished at 43‑29 overall and 13‑20 in the league.
Key contributors for the Minutemen included Sam Hill, who scored on a bases‑loaded walk, and Braden Sullivan, who added a hit. On the mound, Tyson Potts took the loss, while Gavin Moczydlowsky earned the win for Central Michigan.
The doubleheader showcased high‑scoring offense, solid defensive gems, and a mix of emerging talent and seasoned veterans as the program looks ahead to the next season.