YPSILANTI - After sweeping four games from defending Big Ten champion Penn State over the weekend, the Michigan baseball team appeared to be on a roll.
But instead of riding that momentum into this week, the Wolverines have dropped two games to a pair of Mid-American Conference schools.
Tuesday, they were shut out by Bowling Green, 5-0, and yesterday they fell to Eastern Michigan, 14-7.
"I don't know what it was today," Michigan coach Geoff Zahn said. "Yesterday we were definitely flat. We had a big series in the Big Ten. There is no question that our guys get sky high for the Big Ten, and there was a letdown yesterday. There shouldn't have been a letdown today."
The score from yesterday's contest appears lopsided, but the game was tight until Eastern sent 12 men to the plate in the sixth inning and scored eight runs.
Leading 5-3, the first six Eagles reached safely against Michigan pitcher Luke Bonner to blow the game open.
Despite the loss, there were some positive results to come out of the game. The Wolverines' offense returned to form, producing seven runs after being shut out Tuesday for the first time all season.
"You score seven runs, and you ought to win the ballgame," Zahn said.
The warm spring weather yesterday was an advantage for the hitters on both sides, as balls hit in the air carried well.
Bryan Besco hit a pair of mammoth home runs to account for Michigan's first three runs, and Mike Cervanek hit his second round-tripper of the year.
The Michigan pitchers surrendered four home runs to Eastern. Two came in the decisive sixth inning, including a two-run shot by catcher Chris Prozorowicz over the 390 foot sign in straight-away centerfield.
"It was a good hitting day, but both teams have good hitting," Eastern Michigan coach Roger Coryell said. "Some of the pitches were not as good as the pitchers would like to make. Both teams are good hitting ball clubs."
In addition to his hitters, Zahn was also happy with the performance of his first two pitchers, Ryan Kelly and Bryan Cranson.
"Cranson threw very well today. He should have gotten out with no runs," he said. "We kicked some balls around. We didn't catch balls we should have. Ryan Kelly is getting better. We just have to find the right combination of guys pitching."
The purpose of the midweek games is to get the pitchers work and allow Zahn opportunity to find the winning combination he seeks.
Michigan may suffer a few losses because the Wolverine skipper removes a pitcher who is throwing well in order to get somebody else some work. But it may be worth it later in the season, when Zahn knows exactly what he can expect from his pitchers.
JONATHAN SUMMER/Daily
The Wolverines have dropped two games in the last two days, killing the momentum gained from four wins over Penn State last weekend.