The Western Michigan Broncos saw their 2026 campaign close with a 6-1 defeat to Kent State in the Mid-American Conference Tournament, finishing the year at 27-25.
Tanner Mally opened the game with a leadoff double, the 87th hit of a season that would rewrite the program’s record books.
Mally’s 87 hits surpassed the previous single‑season mark held by Cade Sullivan, and his .554 on‑base percentage eclipsed a 61‑year‑old school record, while his .446 average placed him among the top four hitters in WMU history.
Despite early chances, the Broncos left two runners on base in the first and third innings, and although Kent State struck first with a two‑run third inning, the lead grew to 3‑0 before WMU could answer.
The Broncos finally got on the board in the sixth with a sacrifice fly from Connor Ostrander, but the Golden Flashes answered in the seventh with three more runs to seal a 6‑1 final.
A Season of Milestones
Mally’s record‑breaking performance capped a year that saw the Broncos punch above their weight in the MAC, delivering clutch moments and a glimpse of future competitiveness.
While the loss ends the season, the program can take pride in a historic individual achievement and a roster that finished with a winning record, setting a foundation for the next chapter.