Michigan Baseball Falls to San Diego in Extra Innings, 6-5

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The University of Michigan baseball team suffered a 6-5 defeat to San Diego in 10 innings on Friday night at Fowler Park and Cunningham Field, opening their spring break trip with a hard-fought loss. The Toreros improved to 7-2 with the walk-off victory, whereas the Wolverines moved to 4-4 on the season.

Culbertson’s Homer Sparks Early Lead

Michigan drew first blood in the top of the third inning with a solo home run from Drew Culbertson, his first as a Wolverine, putting U-M ahead 1-0.

Offensive Outburst in the Fourth

Both offenses exploded in the fourth inning, each scoring four runs. Michigan began with a Colby Turner double that plated Brenden Stressler. Brayden Jefferis then drove in Matthew Ossenfort and Turner with a triple, and Jefferis later scored on a sacrifice fly by Greg Pace Jr., giving the Wolverines a 5-4 lead.

San Diego Battles Back

San Diego responded with four runs of their own in the fourth, capitalizing on five walks to tie the game. They later tied the score at five in the fifth inning with a two-out RBI single.

Late-Game Drama and Walk-Off Loss

Despite opportunities from both sides, the game remained tied through nine innings. Max Debiec provided crucial relief pitching, allowing just two hits and no runs while striking out six over 2.2 innings.

In the tenth inning, Cade Ladehoff was hit by a pitch but was quickly out at second on a fielder’s choice. A pinch-hit single by Jonathan Kim advanced Stressler to third, but the threat was extinguished. San Diego capitalized in the bottom of the tenth, starting with a walk and a double to put the winning run on third. A single to left field, just beyond the reach of a diving Stressler, sealed the 6-5 victory for the Toreros.

Key Contributors

Brayden Jefferis and Colby Turner each recorded two hits and scored a run for Michigan. Turner added an RBI, while Jefferis drove in two runs. Starting pitcher Cade Montgomery struck out four over 3.2 innings.

Next Up

Michigan will continue its series with San Diego on Saturday, February 28, at Fowler Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on ESPN+.