MSU baseball opens season in South Carolina with series against Maryland

Being back in Fluor Field has become a Michigan state baseball tradition and a place they really appreciate.

“It’s been almost a full year since we played against anyone,” MSU baseball coach Jake Boss told the media before the team’s season opener. “So, having the chance to go down to a place we feel is our second home in Greenville, South Carolina … it’s a special place, a big stadium. ”

The Spartans will finally be able to be back on the field after the 2020 season is halted and a delayed start this year.

While the Big Ten Conference released its list of pre-season prizes and pre-season poll, three players from the state of Michigan were named Big Ten Preseason Players to Watch. Prominent players and students on and off the field, junior pitcher Mason Erla, senior outside player Bryce Kelley and senior indoor player Bailey Peterson received the award.

A right-handed pitcher from Cass City, Michigan, Mason Erla is a prominent player for the Spartans, as he came in second in the Big Ten and 10th in the NCAA with 42 strikeouts and four general races allowed.

Erla had already been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week during the 2018 season, Big Ten Pitcher of the Week during the 2020 season and the Pre-Season of the Second All-American Team, MSU’s first All-American since the season of 2015. With only 17 additional eliminations needed, Erla will enter the list of the top 10 eliminated from MSU’s career.

“Mason Erla is probably the highest profile guy we have on the list now … and is really, in my opinion, one of the best right-handed pitchers in the country,” said Boss in an interview about the players to watch this season.

Senior outfielder Bryce Kelley has consistently performed on and off the pitch, having been named Defensive Player of the Year Danny Litwhiler for the second time, in addition to having the team’s highest GPA.

Along with Bailey Peterson, Bryce Kelley was one of only two Spartans to start and play in all 15 games and placed second on the team with a batting average of 0.400 for the 2020 season, with an overall batting average of 0.313 career.

“Kelley and Bailey Peterson were hitting 0.400 or more last year when the season was interrupted and therefore these guys are going to have to lead the attack,” said Boss Jr. in an interview.

Both Bryce Kelley and Bailey Peterson will return veterans this season after becoming eligible for a fifth season, both of whom were elected team captains by the rest of the team.

Alongside Kelley, Grandville native Bailey Peterson was the only other Spartan to start and play in all 15 games last season. Previously, he received the John Kobs Most Valuable Player award and Kirk Gibson’s Offensive Player of the Year award.

Last season, Peterson came in second in the Big Ten and tied for 22nd in the NCAA with a batting average of 0.441, accompanied by an average of 0.528 in the base, also in second place in the Big Ten.

Returning veterans are ready to return this season and do their best. With an expanded cast this season, the team has been focusing on personal development at the end of the season.

“I think you know, there is gratitude for what we have the opportunity to do. We don’t take it lightly, ”said Boss Jr. in an interview. “I think the team’s dynamics are very good. Our seniors have done a great job leading these guys. “

The Spartans will face the Terrapins this weekend in a series of four games, starting with a game on Friday night at 6:30 pm, followed by a double game on Saturday at 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm and the final showdown will be on Sunday at 6:30 pm. 1:30 pm

Due to the precautions of COVID-19, there will be a limited number of fans, only family and friends will be able to attend. MSU baseball runs six COVID tests weekly, followed by Big Ten antigen tests three times a week. The Spartans will spend the weekend in South Carolina, return home for a few days of practice and then return to South Carolina for the following weekend’s clash against Northwestern.