Michigan

Nebraska softball team falls in nine innings at Michigan

Published

7 months ago

April 20, 2024

Nebraska softball team falls in nine innings at Michigan

LINCOLN, Neb. (Nebraska Athletics) – The Nebraska softball team pitched out of trouble most of the night Friday but a ninth-inning walk-off home run lifted Michigan to a 4-3 series-opening win in Ann Arbor.

The game headed to extra innings tied 2-2 before Samantha Bland gave Nebraska the lead with a leadoff home run in the top of the eighth. A two-out rally from Michigan in the bottom of the inning tied the game, but the Wolverines missed a chance to win it by leaving the bases loaded.

Then in the ninth, Nebraska stranded a runner at second base in its half of the inning before Ava Costales hit a walk-off home run to left center with one out.

Nebraska’s pitching staff did well in limiting one of the conference’s top offenses. Michigan entered the game averaging 7.5 runs per game in its first 14 Big Ten games, but the Huskers held the Wolverines to just four runs.

Sarah Harness and Kaylin Kinney were able to escape jams throughout the night to give Nebraska a chance. Michigan had the leadoff runner on base in six of its nine innings but the Wolverines were just 3-for-20 with runners on base and 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Michigan stranded 15 base runners in the game.

Michigan left the bases loaded four times, including the sixth inning when the Wolverines loaded the bases with no outs but did not score. The two runs Michigan scored in regulation were an unearned run in the first inning and a bases-loaded walk in the fourth.

Kinney (15-11) took the loss, allowing two runs in 5.0 innings. Harness started and was charged with two runs (one earned) in 3.1 innings. While both pitchers were effective in pressure situations, but the duo did combine to walk a season-high nine batters.

Offensively, Nebraska had just one hit in the first seven innings as Bland’s eighth-inning home run was just the second hit of the game for the Huskers. Nebraska was out-hit 9-5. The Huskers drew four walks and were hit by four pitches, but Nebraska was just 2-for-14 with runners on base and stranded 10 runners.

Sydney Gray went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and two RBIs. Bland finished 1-for-5 with her home run. Billie Andrews and Caitlynn Neal produced Nebraska’s other hits.

Nebraska fell to 25-17 with the loss and dropped to 8-4 in Big Ten play. Michigan improved to 11-0 at home while moving to 31-14 overall and 12-3 in conference play. Hannah George (3-1) earned the win in relief by tossing a scoreless ninth inning.

Michigan took advantage of a Husker miscue to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Following a bloop leadoff double, a passed ball moved the runner to third with no outs. Harness then retired the next three hitters with back-to-back ground outs and a fly out, but the second ground out scored the runner from third.

Nebraska’s offense was quiet until the top of the fourth. Peyton Cody drew a leadoff walk before Michigan got two outs. Neal was hit by a two-out pitch to bring up Gray, who recorded the Huskers’ first hit of the game with a two-run double to left to give Nebraska a 2-1 lead. Bella Bacon and Ava Bredwell were both then hit by a pitch to load the bases for Billie Andrews, who flew out to the wall in center.

Michigan came right back in the bottom of the frame. The Wolverines had a pair of singles to begin the inning and a one-out walk loaded the bases and brought Kinney into the game. Kinney coaxed a comebacker to the circle and threw home for the second out of the inning. The next batter drew a seven-pitch walk to score a run and tie the game at 2-2. But Kinney limited the damage with an inning-ending strikeout.

The Wolverines continued to put together scoring chances in the top of the sixth. The first three batters all walked to load the bases with no outs. But Kinney escaped the jam with a force out at home, a strikeout and a foul out.

In the top of the seventh, Bredwell was hit by a pitch and Billie Andrews walked to put runners at first and second with one out but the Huskers were unable to score.

Kinney then quickly retired the first two batters of the bottom of the seventh before a hit batter, an error and an infield bloop single loaded the bases with two outs. She escaped the jam when Gray fielded a chopper at third and dove to touch the third base bag with her glove just before the runner made it to the base.

In the top of the eighth, Bland led off with a home run to left. After a strikeout, Neal and Gray had back-to-back singles. Bacon then lined a ball to left where Ellie Sieler made a sliding catch to save at least one run.

In the bottom of the eighth, Kinney recorded the first two outs on just three pitches. A bunt single put the tying run on base and a bloop single that just eluded a diving Neal in right field scored the tying run. With first base open and Keke Tholl, the reigning Big Ten and National Player of the Week at the plate, Nebraska issued an intentional walk. A wild pitch moved the runners up to second and third so the Huskers issued a second intentional walk to load the bases. Kinney then fell behind the next hitter 3-1 before coming back with two straight strikes for an inning-ending strikeout.

In the top of the ninth, Billie Andrews began the inning with a single. Katelyn Caneda then moved Andrews to second base with a sacrifice bunt. But Andrews was left stranded at second base.

In the bottom of the ninth, Kinney won a nine-pitch at bat with a ground out before Costales hit her walk-off homer on a 1-0 pitch.

Nebraska and Michigan continued their series on Saturday at 1 p.m. (Central).

Post-Game Notes

Nebraska played its eighth extra-inning game of the season, falling to 4-4 in extra innings.
The Huskers have played five extra-inning games in Big Ten play, posting a 3-2 record in those games.
Including tonight, in three of Nebraska’s four Big Ten losses this season, the game was tied or the Huskers led in the sixth inning or later.
Samantha Bland’s eighth-inning home run was her fifth home run of the season.

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Michigan

Michigan Gov. Whitmer talks embracing political power shift after Trump’s election victory

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Press Room

Michigan Gov. Whitmer talks embracing political power shift after Trump’s election victory – CBS Detroit

Watch CBS News

In the midst of President-elect Donald Trump naming members of his administration, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer talks about embracing the shift in power from the state to the federal government.

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Michigan

Kansas basketball vs Michigan State live score updates, highlights, how to watch Champions Classic

Published

10 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Press Room

Kansas basketball vs Michigan State live score updates, highlights, how to watch Champions Classic

The 2024-25 men’s college basketball season began last Monday with a slew of games. For many across the country, though, their attention won’t be fixed on the sport until Tuesday night, when four of the best, most consistently successful programs in the country square off against one another.

The 2024 Champions Classic will tip off at State Farm Arena in Atlanta with No. 1 Kansas taking on Michigan State, a matchup that will be followed later in the night by a game between No. 6 Duke and No. 18 Kentucky.

The Jayhawks entered the season as the No. 1 team in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and remained there after an undefeated first week that was finished off by a 92-89 victory against then-No. 10 North Carolina inside a raucous Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. Coach Bill Self’s team led by as many as 20 before squandering the lead late and rallying for the win.

Kansas will face yet another test on Tuesday against the Spartans, who are ranked outside of the top 25 of the Coaches Poll, but have won at least 20 games in 12 consecutive full seasons. Tom Izzo’s team is also off to a 2-0 start after being picked to finish fifth in the preseason the newly reconfigured 18-team Big Ten.

Follow along here for the live score, updates, highlights and more from Kansas vs. Michigan State basketball in the Champions Classic:

Kansas basketball vs Michigan State score updates

TEAMS	1H	2H	F
KANSAS
MICHIGAN STATE

Kansas vs Michigan State live updates

Updates will begin close to 6:30 p.m. ET tip-off.

Pregame

The three referees working Tuesday night’s game in Atlanta between Kansas and Michigan State are Keith Kimble, Paul Szelc and Tony Padilla.

Here’s a look at the starting lineups Tuesday night for the Jayhawks and Spartans, according to the StatBroadcast feed:

Kansas

G Dajuan Harris Jr.
G Zeke Mayo
G Rylan Griffen
F KJ Adams
C Hunter Dickinson

Michigan State

G Jeremy Fears Jr.
G Jaden Akins
F Frankie Fidler
F Xavier Booker
C Szymon Zapala

What channel is Kansas vs Michigan State on today?

Kansas’ game against Michigan State will air on ESPN, with Dan Shulman (play-by-play) and Jay Bilas (analyst) on the call, while Jess Sims serves as the floor reporter. Streaming options include watch ESPN and Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Watch Kansas vs Michigan State in the Champions Classic with Fubo (free trial)

Kansas vs Michigan State history

Series record: Series tied 5-5
Kansas’ last win: 2021 (Kansas 87, Michigan State 74)
Michigan State’s last win: 2015 (Michigan State 79, Kansas 73)

Kansas vs Michigan State predictions

Graham Couch, Lansing State Journal: Kansas 83, Michigan State 74

“It’s hard for me to imagine MSU winning this game unless the 3-point shots start to fall in a big way. We’re going to find out how ready this group is to compete at a Final Four-type level. Because unlike some years when MSU has beaten what’s turned out to be a disappointing Kentucky or Duke team at the Champions Classic, this Kansas squad is unquestionably a legitimate contender.”

Kansas vs Michigan State betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Monday, Nov. 11

Moneyline: Kansas -250 | Michigan State +195
Spread: Kansas (-5.5)
Over/under: 150.5 points

Michigan State basketball schedule 2024-25

Here’s a look at the Spartans’ November 2024-25 schedule, including available start times. For the full schedule, click here.

All times ET

Monday, Nov. 4: vs. Monmouth (W, 85-67)
Friday, Nov. 8: vs. Niagara (W, 96-60)
Tuesday, Nov. 12: vs. Kansas, Champions Classic, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 16: vs. Bowling Green, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 19: vs. Samford, 8 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 25: vs. Colorado, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 26: vs. UConn/Memphis, TBA
Wednesday, Nov. 27: vs. UNC/Dayton/Iowa State/Auburn, TBA

Kansas basketball schedule 2024-25

Here’s a look at the Jayhawks’ November 2024-25 schedule, including available start times. For the full schedule, click here.

All times ET

Monday, Nov. 4: vs. Howard (W, 87-57)
Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. North Carolina (W, 92-89)
Tuesday, Nov. 12: vs. Michigan State, Champions Classic, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 19: vs. UNC-Wilmington, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 26: vs. Duke, Vegas Showdown, 8 p.m
Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Furman, TBA

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Michigan

Michigan partners with Passes to utilize ‘direct-to-fan engagement'

Published

17 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Press Room

Michigan partners with Passes to utilize ‘direct-to-fan engagement'

Passes, a company that gives college fans exclusive access to the daily lives of student-athletes, has partnered with Michigan in a new juncture where fans can directly contribute to Name, Image and Likeness funds in exchange for “direct-to-fan engagement.”

“Likeness value across 29 varsity sports, recruit and retain top student athletes, and create an ecosystem for unprecedented fan access,” Passes announced in a press release. “This multi-year partnership through Learfield empowers Michigan student athletes to sell exclusive content and merchandise and empowers fans to play a role in the retention and recruitment of athletic and academic talent through a new NIL fund.”

So here’s how Passes says this seven-figure deal will work:

Once Learfield (aka Michigan) receives NIL contributions, a portion of those contributions will go directly to Michigan’s student-athletes.
Student-athletes who fans donate to will be paid to be active on their Passes account, which appears to be a small social network consisting of student-athletes. Here’s an example of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers’ page. It’s not clear exactly how these athletes would be active on this network, but Ewers has posted about what he is doing during a normal day. Think of those Day in the Life videos that often go viral on Tik Tok, but with student-athletes.
For a varying dollar amount, fans will have to subscribe (aka pay) to the athletes’ accounts to see “behind the scenes” content. I’m interested to see how athletes get creative with this — is it them getting ready for game day? Is it them preparing for practice, or taking fans through their rigorous schedule? Is it more lighthearted stuff like hanging with friends? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

“This partnership with Passes aligns with our university’s commitment to innovation and student-athlete development,” said Danielle Davison, Assistant AD for NIL at the University of Michigan in the release. “It gives all our teams a powerful platform to showcase Michigan Athletics and connect with our passionate fanbase, while preparing our student-athletes for success in the evolving landscape of college sports.”

You can sign up to contribute to the fund by submitting your email at this link.

A few quick thoughts

On one hand, it sounds like a great idea and would give otherwise unprecedented access to the lives of student-athletes. I would also imagine this would help the most high-profile athletes cash in, while also helping athletes who don’t get as much playing time, but have an entertaining social media presence (think former Michigan basketball player Adrien Nunez, who didn’t play much but was very popular on social media).

In practice, I’m not sure how exactly this will be received, especially during a football season where optimism isn’t exactly high with a 5-5 squad. Will athletes on that struggling team want to post happy, optimistic content? And how exactly will this be perceived by a pissed off fanbase? Will a program that doesn’t let the media watch practice actually allow players to film portions of their game day prep? Not to sound like an old man yelling at clouds, but is this something that would distract student-athletes from not only their work on the field, but also their work in the classroom?

Also, why does all this NIL responsibility fall on the fans? The Big Ten has a $7 billion TV deal and Michigan is the most well-known schools in one of the top campuses in the country. Not to mention, it’s hard to get optimistic with NIL ventures after the failures of projects like The Leader. Plus, there is already another avenue exactly like Passes — it’s called the Ann Arbor NIL Club — that is only for U-M football players.

It has taken Michigan a long time to hop on board the NIL express, as both Jim Harbaugh and Juwan Howard criticized the university for their cautiousness early in the process. And for a university that loves to brag about being the “leaders and best” with an athletic donor and booster base wealthy enough to run a small country, going to yet another crowdfunded venture and asking fans to pay up and take the lead with NIL funding feels, at best, tone deaf and, at worst, hypocritical and irresponsible.

How do you feel about this latest NIL venture, and will you be contributing? Are you also frustrated by Michigian’s NIL struggles? Let us know in the comments and on social media

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