Michigan State baseball will host Eastern Michigan on Tuesday, May 12, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:02 p.m. The start time was advanced as a precaution against inclement weather that threatened to disrupt the final week of the regular season.
The matchup marks the culmination of a busy stretch for the Spartans, who are completing their fourth home game in a row and wrapping up a four‑game series against Ohio State that produced a split of one win and two losses. Eastern Michigan arrives with a 17‑32 overall record, making the contest a test of resilience for both programs.
Coach Boss Nears Historic Milestone
Adding a layer of significance, Michigan State announced that head coach Jake Boss Jr. has secured a contract extension that runs through 2029. In his 18th year at the university and 19th overall as a collegiate head coach, Boss is poised to surpass the school’s all‑time wins record, currently standing at 487 victories.
The 2026 season also commemorates the 142nd year of Michigan State baseball, a milestone that underscores the program’s deep roots. The moniker “Spartans” was first linked to the university a century ago, and the team’s recent performances have kept that legacy alive on the field.
Junior outfielder Parker Picot has been a bright spot, launching six home runs over the past ten games after a sluggish March. His recent two‑home‑run outing against UCLA added to the excitement, marking his second such game of the season. Senior Nick Williams, meanwhile, is riding a .615 batting average over his last ten contests, having recorded at least two hits in eight of those games.
The coaching staff’s ties to the Mid‑American Conference add an extra narrative thread. Mark Van Ameyde, the team’s pitching coach, previously led Eastern Michigan to a 27‑35 record and a MAC West Division title in 2017, while Elliott Daniels, senior associate AD for student‑athlete engagement, maintains connections to EMU. Their shared history highlights the intertwined nature of the upcoming matchup.
Beyond the immediate game, Michigan State is preparing for a broader schedule that includes ten of twelve scheduled events against Great Lakes State opponents, a 4‑0 record against MAC rivals so far, and a 3‑4 standing in official games versus in‑state competition. The Spartans’ depth, with 21 players hailing from Michigan and nine more from the state on Eastern Michigan’s roster, reflects a strong regional talent pool.