Harvard Baseball Shows Grit in Series Loss Against Michigan State

Escaping the frigid Northeast weather, Harvard baseball headed south for the second consecutive weekend to Greenville, S.C., where it was ultimately swept by a strong Michigan State squad.

Despite the result, the team displayed promising flashes of talent and resilience, particularly from its fresh faces. The Crimson (0-6) battled against the formidable Spartans (9-1), gaining invaluable experience early in the season as it continued its challenging Big Ten stretch.

The matchups against these power four opponents have been vital to shake off the rust for Harvard — a squad that features seven freshmen — ahead of Ivy League play later this month.

“A key part of this year was obviously accepting the freshman class. And I think that was one of the best ways we could have started the year, with an awesome class,” said sophomore pitcher Ryan McHugh earlier in the season.

Harvard 1, Michigan State 14

Opening the weekend, Michigan State quickly got to freshman starter Charley Bergsma, tallying eight runs in the first inning. Junior Brian Dowling quickly stepped in and went the distance, throwing five innings of relief for a squad that lost its top two pitchers, Sean Matson and Tanner Smith, to the MLB draft.

“I mean, obviously a huge loss not having Sean and Tanner with us, but two tremendous leaders and obviously great athletes,” said McHugh. “So it was a big loss at first. But obviously, you have no choice but to look around the room and realize what we have this year is definitely more than enough.”

Junior Max Lane opened up the weekend’s scoring for the Crimson with a solo shot over the center field wall in the fourth inning. Lane and fellow junior infielder Jordan Kang both recorded two hits at the plate, solidifying their statuses in the middle of Harvard’s lineup.

Harvard 1, Michigan State 11

In the top of the first inning on Saturday, freshman Liam Wilson made an immediate impact, blasting his first collegiate home run over the 420-foot marker in center field, giving the Crimson an early 1-0 lead. Meanwhile, sophomore Jack Rickheim also recorded his second multi-hit game of the season.

Sophomore pitcher Truman Pauley, who started the game, tossed four quality innings, only allowing three runs while striking out five batters. Despite the scoreline, the pitching staff only allowed seven hits in the game, matching the Crimson’s own tally.

“We’ve added some good depth to our bullpen, which we're really excited about that we didn't really have last year,” McHugh added.

Harvard 3, Michigan State 13

In the final game of the weekend, senior captain George Cooper, a leader both on and off the field, delivered a bases-clearing double, proving that the team has no shortage of players ready to contribute.

Sophomore Will Burns delivered 2.1 scoreless innings on Sunday, striking out four hitters. The weekend provided a glimpse of the team’s pitching depth, which will be crucial as the season progresses.

While the team’s record doesn’t yet reflect its potential, it remains focused on growth and development. Facing some of the nation’s best programs early in the season is a test that could pay dividends once Ivy League play begins.

“I know that every single one of our guys has the vision of winning the Ivy League. And I think that's how it should be,” added McHugh.

The Crimson now shifts its attention to another major test—a three-game road series at No. 7 Florida from March 7-9 in Gainesville. With each game, the team is gaining the experience needed to turn flashes of promise into consistent success.