East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University's baseball team fell to the University of Toledo in the first game of their Mid-American Conference series, losing 7-2 on Friday, April 11 at Oestrike Stadium.

Cooper Vance was a standout for the Eagles, achieving a perfect 3-for-3 at bat, including a double, and reaching base safely in all four of his appearances. Logan Hugo contributed both of Eastern Michigan's runs, with a sacrifice fly and a hit in the ninth inning.

Jacob Tabor of Toledo earned the win, while Eastern Michigan's Ethan LaPointe (0-2) took the loss.

The early game was highlighted by Eastern’s starting pitcher Drew Beckner, who delivered four no-hit innings with six strikeouts. Toledo scored first in the fifth inning, but EMU's Hugo responded, driving in Vance to level the score at 1-1.

Beckner was relieved by Drew Norris in the seventh inning. LaPointe took over in the eighth, during which Toledo surged ahead with six runs. Ethan Davis replaced LaPointe during that inning, and Michael Pfeiffer closed the ninth for Eastern Michigan.

Hugo’s ninth-inning hit added one more run for the Eagles, finalizing the score at 7-2 in favor of Toledo. This result left Eastern Michigan at 13-16 overall (8-8 MAC) and improved Toledo’s record to 12-20 (6-10 MAC).

Catchers played a significant role, as Harrison Travis went 2-for-4, marking his fifth multi-hit game of the season. Beckner's performance included eight strikeouts over 6.2 innings and allowed no earned runs, tying his previous season-high strikeouts.

The game was noted as the 177th encounter between Eastern Michigan and Toledo, with EMU leading the all-time series 101-76. Beckner’s consecutive strikeout feats were compared to former Eagle Luke Russo’s performances in 2023.

Eastern Michigan continues its series against Toledo on Saturday, April 12. Coverage is available on ESPN+ and the Varsity Network.